MagazinAisle

Tag: NBA

  • NBA Fantasy: DFS picks & advice for Feb. 27

    NBA Fantasy: DFS picks & advice for Feb. 27

    The Knicks’ Jalen Brunson is averaging 36.5 points, four assists and 2.5 rebounds this season against the Bucks.

    It’s Friday, Feb. 27 and the NBA has a total of just five games on the schedule, including a nationally-televised doubleheader on ESPN. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons have a Central Division clash at 7 p.m. ET, while the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder meet at 9:30 p.m. ET at Paycom Center.

    Here are our top NBA DFS picks and advice for tonight’s slate.

    NBA DFS core plays

    Jaylen Brown (SG, SF – BOS)

    • DraftKings: $9,800
    • FanDuel: $10,000

    A good spot to start for your lineup on Friday is swingman Jaylen Brown, who is averaging 46.6 fantasy points per game. He is facing a Brooklyn Nets defense with an opponent rank of 19, so it’s a favorable matchup.

    Since the All-Star break, Brown has scored at least 23 points in all three games, averaging 26 points, 11.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.3 3-pointers per game, including a triple-double at Golden State on February 19th.

    The last time he faced the Nets, Brown also had a triple-double, going for 27 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds with four 3-pointers and a steal on January 23rd in Brooklyn. Against the Nets this season, Brown is averaging 27.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.7 3-pointers per game in three meetings.

    Jalen Brunson (PG – NYK)

    • DraftKings: $9,000
    • FanDuel: $8,800

    When filling the point guard position, Jalen Brunson is the best option today. He is averaging 41.1 fantasy points per game, and faces a struggling Bucks team with an opponent rank of 27. In four games since returning from the All-Star break, Brunson has scored at least 19 points in all four outings, while posting six or more assists in three of the four outings. He has also dropped in seven triples.

    Brunson has tormented the Bucks this season, averaging 36.5 points, four assists, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 3-pointers per game in two previous meetings. He scored 36 points in Milwaukee on October 28th, while going for 37 points and four triples in an NBA Cup game at Madison Square Garden on November 28th.

    Chet Holmgren (PF – OKC)

    • DraftKings: $8,600
    • FanDuel: $8,100

    The lanky big man for Oklahoma City is coming off an absolute stinker on Tuesday in Toronto, as he was limited to just seven points on 3-of-8 shooting, while pulling down nine rebounds with four assists, three blocks and a steal in 30 minutes. Chet Holmgren has shot just 8-of-22 (36.4%) from the field in the past two outings.

    While DFS players in the past two games are muttering Holmgren’s name, his price tag has dropped, making him a tremendous value play against the visiting Denver Nuggets. Holmgren is averaging 34.9 fantasy points per game, while the Nuggets are 24th in opponent rank. Look for Holmgren to bounce back, even with Nikola Jokić lurking in the paint.

    NBA DFS cash game targets

    Josh Hart (SG, SF – NYK)

    • DraftKings: $6,500
    • FanDuel: $6,200

    If you’re looking for a New York stack, swingman Josh Hart is a strong option. He is good for 31.9 fantasy points per game, while facing a Milwaukee defense that has an opponent rank of 25. With just five games to choose from, the Knicks are looking awfully good against the Bucks’ leaky defense.

    Milwaukee is allowing 115.4 points per game, which ranks 16th in the NBA. Opposing teams are shooting 46.5% (11th) from the field against Milwaukee and 36.4% (20th) from behind the 3-point line. The last time Hart faced the Bucks, he went for 19 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and three steals.

    Naji Marshall (SF – DAL)

    • DraftKings: $6,300
    • FanDuel: $7,200

    Naji Marshall is coming off a giant performance against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, going for 36 points on 14-of-23 shooting, including 1-of-4 from behind the 3-point line and 7-of-11 from the free-throw line. He added 10 rebounds and six assists.

    Marshall has seen his scoring averages increase every month this season. He is averaging 18.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.4 steals in nine games this month. Marshall is averaging 14.5 points, seven rebounds, four assists and 1.5 steals in two meetings versus the Grizzlies this season, including a pair of 3-pointers.

    GG Jackson (PF – MEM)

    • DraftKings: $6,000
    • FanDuel: $6,300

    The 21-year-old from the University of South Carolina has really stepped up his play in February, going for 20+ points in four of the past five games. In that five-game span, GG Jackson is averaging 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 3-pointers, 2.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game.

    Jackson is averaging just 20 fantasy points per game, but don’t be dissuaded by that figure. His playing time has been ratcheted up lately, and so has his production. He is facing a Dallas defense with an opponent rank of 28.

    NBA DFS GPP targets

    Jaylin Williams (PF, C – OKC)

    • DraftKings: $5,800
    • FanDuel: $4,800

    Jaylin Williams is likely to come off the bench after being in the starting five with Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and Chet Holmgren (back) sidelined. He went for 30 points and 11 rebounds with five 3-pointers in a start in Detroit on Wednesday.

    Expect Williams to come off the bench, with his playing time returning to the neighborhood of 15-20 minutes. However, he still has the potential for double-digit points with a smattering of assist sand rebounds, with an occasional 3-pointer. He is quite the value on FanDuel.

    Khris Middleton (PF – DAL)

    • DraftKings: $5,600
    • FanDuel: $5,400

    Khris Middleton has picked up the pace lately, and he is a strong play against a Grizzlies defense with an opponent rank of 26. He is good for 22.5 fantasy points per game, and those numbers have been on the rise across the past five outings.

    Middleton had been nursing a shoulder injury, but that didn’t appear to set him back against Sacramento on Thursday, going for 17 points, five rebounds and four assists. He has had a nice resurgence since coming over from Washington. Middleton has scored 17+ points in three of the past four outings.

    Brandon Williams (PG, SG – DAL)

    • DraftKings: $5,500
    • FanDuel: $6,000

    Brandon Williams gets a crack at the Grizzlies, and their opponent rank of 24. He has racked up 13+ points in five consecutive games, while hitting the mark in 11 of the previous 12 outings. He’ll step out for an occasional 3-pointer, but that’s not a huge part of his game.

    Williams has managed at least four assists in five straight outings, and he has shot 50% or better from the field in each of those contests. Williams has also been good for three blocks in the past three games, and at least one steal in five of the previous seven outings.

    NBA DFS Value Plays

    Olivier-Maxence Prosper (PF, C – MEM)

    • DraftKings: $4,800
    • FanDuel: $5,000

    Olivier-Maxence Prosper will get a crack against his former NBA team, and he should be in the starting five. He has been a little erratic lately, but he is averaging 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, one steal and 1.6 3-pointers in nine games this month.

    Prosper should be amped to face the Mavericks. It won’t take much for him to exceed DFS salary expectations.

    Craig Porter Jr. (PG – CLE)

    • DraftKings: $3,500
    • FanDuel: $4,000

    Craig Porter Jr. is likely to benefit from extra run with Donovan Mitchell (groin) sidelined. Sam Merrill, Dennis Schröder and Jaylon Tyson are also likely to see some extra minutes. Remember that James Harden (thumb) suffered a fractured thumb last time out.

    Caleb Martin (SF, PF – DAL)

    • DraftKings: $3,700
    • FanDuel: $4,000

    With rookie swingman Cooper Flagg (foot) unlikely to play, Caleb Martin should see considerable playing time against the Grizzlies. Khris Middleton, Naji Marshall and Martin have been the biggest beneficiaries with the rookie sidelined the past five games.

  • NBA Mailbag: Are Celtics the East favorites if Jayson Tatum returns?

    The NBA Mailbag is open with NBA legend and NBC analyst Jamal Crawford ready to answer your questions before Sunday Night Basketball matchups on NBC/Peacock. This week, the Sixers travel to Boston to face the Celtics in a key Eastern Conference clash (8 ET, NBC/Peacock).

    Have a question for Jamal? Submit it here. 

    Will the Celtics be the favorites to win the East if Jayson Tatum comes back? – from Sean in Boston, MA

    What’s up, Sean? I think the Celtics, the way they’re playing, may be the favorites to win the East, whether he does or does not come back. I don’t think anybody predicted they would be number two in the East with Tatum sidelined. Jaylen Brown is a true MVP candidate, Coach Mazzulla deserves Coach of the Year consideration, and how hard they play defense will always give them a chance, no matter who they play.

    Did you expect Tyrese Maxey to develop like he has (currently 5th in scoring)? What can he do to take his game even higher? – from Marcel in Pittsburgh, PA

    I did not see him developing into a top‑5 scorer this soon. But I saw the talent, I saw the work ethic, and everybody said he was a great teammate who always works on his game. The next step for him, like all the greats, is to win. Once you win, people notice on a higher level, and that brings more awareness to your game.

    What’s been most impressive about Jaylen Brown’s season? – from Mike in Milford, MA

    His leadership. We always knew he could score and that he was a leader, but now you’re seeing those leadership qualities on the court, too. He’s setting guys up, telling them where to go (things he won’t get credit for) and helping the team succeed. Especially with no Tatum, the trades they made, and a different roster from their NBA Finals run, he’s taken a big leadership step.

    Who do you think will have the East’s best record during the home stretch? – from Corbin in Mentor, OH

    I think Detroit will keep leading the way. They’ve figured out how to win, been number one almost the whole year, and I think they’ll keep rolling. Cade Cunningham is bringing a certain pace that always allows him to be special because nobody can speed him up. He usually makes the right decision for whatever the moment calls for.

    Hey Jamal! As a former Wolves player, how far do you think Ant Man and Minnesota go this year? – from Julian in Minneapolis, MN

    That’s a great question. The West is loaded with Denver, OKC, Houston, and the Spurs. I could see the Wolves making a run to maybe the West semifinals. But it won’t just be on Ant. As Jaden McDaniels continues to evolve his scoring, that’ll be a huge punch for them in the playoffs.

    Cleveland is coming out hot right after the major trade with LA. What do you think about the instant chemistry the team has with Harden, and what is the ceiling for this team? – from Faidzul in Malaysia

    When Harden goes to teams, historically, they get a jolt of energy right away. So this is kind of par for the course for how that goes. They’re definitely playing with great chemistry faster than expected. But I’m not sure how far they’ll go. I think they’ll be really good in the regular season, but as things tighten up in the playoffs, that’s where I get a little concerned.

    Are the Pistons this year’s Thunder team? Do you see them making a run to the NBA Finals? – from Deven in New York, NY

    They can absolutely make a run to the Finals. They’ve been consistent all year, even when people have been out. Someone always steps up, and Cade anchors the middle of everything. But if we’re talking this year’s Thunder, I think that belongs to the Spurs.

    Who had the deepest bag for a big man you have ever defended against? – from Logan in Stuart, FL

    I’ll go with three guys I had to defend on switches at different times: Chris Webber, Kevin Garnett, and Rasheed Wallace.

    Rasheed was one of the first bigs to shoot deep threes consistently. Garnett had incredible footwork that he learned from Kevin McHale. And Chris Webber could go slow to quick really, really fast. He would go slow, do a quick spin, and then reverse dunk.

    All three were special in different ways.

    Of the younger players in the league, under five years of experience, who are your favorite ball handlers? – from Michael in Madison, WI

    I’ll go with Rob Dillingham and Dylan Harper.

    Who has the best hesi in the league? Current player and a player you played with/against. – from Jay in Dallas, TX

    Same person: Kevin Durant. His hesitation jumper, hesitation blow‑by, and hesitation crossover all look identical. So you don’t know which one he’s going to use. He’s just reading you. Whatever decision you make is the wrong one.

    Since Chris Paul just retired, do you have any special memories of playing against him and with him? – from Nate’le’ge in Chicago, IL

    Chris was always the heart and soul of our team. Very few people I’ve ever met in life love basketball as much as he does. Always improving, always driven. Our friendship was deeply connected through basketball, if that makes sense. You would think, “Oh, you guys played together, of course.” But both of our loves for the game gave us a real connection that very few people could truly understand unless you love the game like that. He’s one of the best ever, and it was an honor to play with him.

    What’s it like being part of the NBA on NBC and Peacock crew? More importantly, what’s it like working with legends like Carmelo and Vince? – from Marvin on Facebook

    Working with Carmelo and Vince and T-Mac and Reggie and all these great people is so cool because I’m a fan of all of them, watched them, played against them. So the conversations off-camera are the best ones. We talk about all types of stuff. We have a group chat called “Hoops Savants” with all these basketball minds in it, and we debate everything from a very deep-rooted, highest-level of basketball type of place. So it’s really cool. And it could be about anything basketball.

    Being on NBA on NBC is surreal. I never thought I’d be working here. That was the soundtrack of our childhood with Bob Costas, Marv Albert, Michael Jordan, and slow-mo promos. It shaped our basketball dreams.

    How is it possible that you were never voted to an All-Star team? Did you ever use that as motivation the following season? – from Matt on X

    I don’t know how. I thought I’d make 2 or 3. I sacrificed by coming off the bench, and they asked you to sacrifice, but don’t reward you for it. If I had put up the same numbers as a starter, then I would have made it. But I had my peers’ respect and that was more important. I thought it was really cool when guys like Barkley or Kobe would say I should be an All-Star.

    As the master of the 4-point play, what is your secret to staying balanced and focused when initiating contact on those jump shots? – from Kaydin in Australia 

    I always focused on getting the shot off. I could feel when contact was coming and shoot through it. Once the ball was gone, they couldn’t block it. The hardest part was actually the free throw after because you already made the hard shot, now you better make the easy one.

    If you could play for any team right now, who would it be? – from Carolyn in Jamaica, NY

    The Spurs. The culture is great, tons of playmakers and defenders, and then you have that alien back there who changes everything.

    Your game always felt like storytelling, setups, misdirection, and plot twists. When you were cooking someone, did it feel like art to you? – from Stacey in Atlanta, GA

    Absolutely. I’ve always viewed myself as an artist with a blank canvas. Everything was about collecting data. If a move didn’t work, I’d set it up differently next time. I wanted it to feel different than just watching a basketball player. Kyrie has that same kind of thing, where it feels like it’s a little bit different than just basketball. That’s what made the game unique when I was growing up watching my favorites. My inspirations, like Magic or Jordan or Isiah Thomas or Allen Iverson, all brought something artistic to the game.

    What’s more fun … being a player or an analyst? – from Peter in Illinois

    Coaching. I love analyzing the game and breaking it down. As a player, there’s no joy like it. I’ve done that my whole life … I’m actually about to go play after this. So I’m still connected. But coaching challenges your mind in real time. You have to adjust. And I get to coach my son. That’s the best part.

    Have you ever been in a commercial? – from James in Duluth, GA

    I’ve been in a few commercials. I was in a Reebok commercial about a jump shot — Allen Iverson was doing the voiceover and was in it as well. I was also in a commercial with Jay‑Z when he dropped S.Carter. And I was in a commercial with Michael Jordan where he picked me to play the younger version of him.

    For someone chasing greatness in their craft, what mindset kept you elite for 20 years in the league? – from David in Orlando, FL

    I was always chasing, never satisfied. I never stopped to say, “Oh gosh, look what I just did.” I always had a rule that if I had a really good game, I enjoyed it that night and the next day it was over. If I had a bad game, I beat myself up that night, watched film, and the next day I had to let it go.

    So for me, instead of trying to enjoy every single win that came along, I would try to run, run, run, run, and look back like, “Oh, I came a long ways. All right. Keep climbing.” When you stack days like that, you grow. That was my mindset.

    As someone heavily involved with the AAU scene, would you say the extra mileage players are getting in their youth from AAU has been a direct cause of more injuries in these newer draft classes? And if yes, do you have any ideas on what can be done to limit the wear and tear on players competing in AAU? – from Noah in Fullerton, CA

    At times, yes. Growing up, especially up through 8th grade, players sometimes play 4–6 games in two days, every weekend. That naturally creates wear and tear. I remember in 6th and 7th grade, I think we played around 100 games … longer than an NBA season.

    We eventually cut that down. After each season, I talked with our program director and we reduced the number of games from 100 to 70, then 70 to 50, and now around 30 total.

    We replaced games with more practices and development, which is way healthier. In high school now, we don’t start AAU until after the school season ends, so that also leads to fewer AAU games.

    This upcoming year will be my first chance to play in front of scouts and it will be my junior year of high school. What should my mentality be? School and team first or my personal career? – from Hayden in Southaven, MS

    School and team first. Always. But you should also take your personal development seriously. That means stretching, running, getting shots up, staying in shape, and improving individually.

    But that individual work has to flow into the team concept. College scouts aren’t judging you on scoring 30, because you probably won’t score 30 at the next level. They want to see if you can play with other good players. That’s when players really get noticed.

    Little things matter, like going hard in the layup lines and being very coachable. Those details really catch a scout’s eye.

    Have A Question For Jamal? Submit It Now!

  • Recap: Nikola Jokić drops 30 as Nuggets beat Celtics

    Recap: Nikola Jokić drops 30 as Nuggets beat Celtics

    Nikola Jokić led the Nuggets over the Celtics in the second half of our ESPN doubleheader.

    What we know about Wednesday’s games:

    • The Pistons beat the Thunder 124-116 in the first half of our national TV doubleheader, as Cade Cunningham (29 pts, 13 ast) and Jalen Duren (29 pts, 15 reb) outlasted Jaylin Williams (30 pts, 11 reb, 4 ast).
    • The Nuggets defeated the Celtics 103-84, running away in the second half to defend home court in the nightcap.
    • The Spurs won their 10th game in a row, coming back from 15 down to defeat the Raptors 110-107 on the road.

    FEBRUARY 26 // 12:48 ET

    Wednesday’s results

    Alperen Sengun (26 pts, 13 reb, 11 ast, 2 stl, 3 blk) is your top performer of the night.

    FEBRUARY 26 // 12:38 ET

    Nuggets defeat Celtics

    103-84, with Nikola Jokić putting up 30 points and 12 rebounds in the victory.

    The Celtics went cold in the second half, putting up just 36 points in the Denver altitude as their shooting percentage dropped to 34.9% for the game. Jaylen Brown had 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead Boston.

    Denver shot 41.9%, including 5-of-9 shooting from Tim Hardaway Jr., who put up 14 points to become Denver’s second-leading scorer. Spencer Jones was the top man for Denver with a +22 mark.

    “They were very physical at the point of attack,” said Coach Joe Mazzulla afterwards. “They defended us well.”

    FEBRUARY 26 // 12:12 ET

    Nuggets take control

    85-70 with 7:45 to go in Denver, as the Nuggets have outscored the Celtics by 16 points in the second half.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 11:13 ET

    Celtics up one at the half

    48-47 on ESPN.

    Derrick White has 18 points to pace the Celtics, while Nikola Jokić (13 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast) is doing his traditional thing.

    The Celtics held Denver to 34% shooting in the first half, but only shot 41% themselves. Two good teams going at it.

    Catch the finish to cap your night.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 10:48 ET

    The Joker at work

    Celtics-Nuggets, live now on ESPN.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 10:40 ET

    Rockets beat Kings

    128-97, as Alperen Sengun (26 pts, 13 reb, 11 ast) dropped a triple-double for Houston.

    Russell Westbrook had 22 points as he led the Kings against former teammate Kevin Durant.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 10:20 ET

    Bucks beat Cavaliers by a fingertip

    Kevin Porter Jr. (20 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl) was the top man for the Bucks, who had seven players score in double figures as they beat the Cavaliers 118-116.

    Jarrett Allen’s game-tying hook was ruled to have come after the buzzer, preserving Milwaukee’s second straight win. The Bucks have won eight of their last 10.

    “Came down to the final fingertips, quite literally,” said Lisa Byington to wrap up the affair.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 10:13 ET

    Spurs come back to defeat Raptors

    110-107, securing their 10th win in a row.

    Devin Vassell (21 pts, 5 3PM) led six Spurs in double figures, while Victor Wembanyama (12 pts, 8 reb, 5 blk, 1 stl) did a bit of everything in holding down the middle.

    Brandon Ingram (20 pts, 11 reb) and Immanuel Quickley (20 pts, 3 3PM) led the way for Toronto.

    The Spurs won the fourth quarter 32-17 on the road to secure the victory.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 10:00 ET

    Close games abound

    Spurs-Raptors, Cavs-Bucks and Thunder-Pistons are all within a few baskets as the clock winds down.

    Check out the games!

    FEBRUARY 25 // 9:22 ET

    KPJ on the rise

    Over his last three games, Kevin Porter Jr. has averaged 26.0 ppg, 8.0 ast and just 1.0 turnovers for the Bucks.

    He’s staked them to a 73-65 lead over the Cavaliers with 8:51 to go in the third quarter, as Milwaukee goes on an 11-2 run.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 9:06 ET

    Thunder down

    Isaiah Joe and Brandon Carlson have been ruled out for the Thunder as they face the Pistons, meaning the defending champions are now down nine players, including three of their top four bigs.

    How will this deep Oklahoma City team adjust? Tune in to ESPN to find out.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 8:31 ET

    Good job, GG

    FEBRUARY 25 // 8:25 ET

    Spurs and Raptors in a good one

    41-40 Raptors with 7:45 to go in the second quarter, as No. 5 in the East takes on No. 2 in the West.

    Dylan Harper has 11 points to lead San Antonio, while Scottie Barnes has 9 to counter for Toronto, as well as this sick chasedown swat.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 7:50 ET

    Pistons rolling early

    Check out the dime from Cade Cunningham, No. 4 on the latest Kia MVP Ladder.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 6:30 ET

    Watch out for the Celtics

    The Celtics’ best plays from the last 10 games.

    Joe Mazzulla’s Boston Celtics are 9-1 in their last 10, as they incorporate new arrival Nikola Vučević into a multifaceted group featuring a variety of breakout players.

    Mazzulla’s Celtics are third in net rating (+8.0), second in offensive rating (120.0), third in second chance points (17.4), second in shooting percentage on drives (52.5%), first in pull-up points per game (31.1) and first in screen assists per game (9.9).

    Neemias Queta, Hugo González, Jordan Walsh, Ron Harper Jr. and Luka Garza have all found new roles in the NBA this season, but the Celtics are still flowing, as they form a coherent supporting cast behind Kia MVP candidate Jaylen Brown (29.2 ppg), Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, posting the second-best net rating by a bench in the league (3.6).

    They get the third-greatest percentage of their points from 3-pointers (40.1%) while shooting the second-best percentage in the league in the paint (71.7%) — classic modern offense.

    The Celtics keep the ball hopping, maintain near-immaculate spacing, and know their roles intimately.

    Brown and Pritchard win one-on-one matchups and create advantages; White fills the gaps; Queta and Vučević finish around the rim; González, Walsh and Harper Jr. provide defensive hustle and 3-point shooting.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 5:45 ET

    Welcome to a six-game night in the NBA!

    Jamal Murray and the Nuggets take on the Celtics in the second half of tonight’s ESPN doubleheader.

    Our slate tonight is headlined by an ESPN doubleheader featuring four of the best teams in the Association! We’ve got Thunder-Pistons (7:30 ET) and Celtics-Nuggets (10 ET).

    Here’s tonight’s complete schedule:

     

  • Live Updates: Jaylen Brown’s Celtics face Nikola Jokić’s Nuggets on ESPN

    Live Updates: Jaylen Brown’s Celtics face Nikola Jokić’s Nuggets on ESPN

    Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets are hosting the Sacramento Kings on League Pass.

    What we know about Wednesday’s games:

    • The Pistons beat the Thunder 124-116 in the first half of our national TV doubleheader, as Cade Cunningham (29 pts, 13 ast) and Jalen Duren (29 pts, 15 reb) outlasted Jaylin Williams (30 pts, 11 reb, 4 ast).
    • Now, it’s Celtics-Nuggets (10 ET) on ESPN.
    • The Spurs won their 10th game in a row, coming back from 15 down to defeat the Raptors 110-107 on the road.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 10:48 ET

    The Joker at work

    Celtics-Nuggets, live now on ESPN.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 10:20 ET

    Bucks beat Cavaliers by a fingertip

    Kevin Porter Jr. (20 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl) was the top man for the Bucks, who had seven players score in double figures as they beat the Cavaliers 118-116.

    Jarrett Allen’s game-tying hook was ruled to have come after the buzzer, preserving Milwaukee’s second straight win. The Bucks have won eight of their last 10.

    “Came down to the final fingertips, quite literally,” said Lisa Byington to wrap up the affair.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 10:13 ET

    Spurs come back to defeat Raptors

    110-107, securing their 10th win in a row.

    Devin Vassell (21 pts, 5 3PM) led six Spurs in double figures, while Victor Wembanyama (12 pts, 8 reb, 5 blk, 1 stl) did a bit of everything in holding down the middle.

    Brandon Ingram (20 pts, 11 reb) and Immanuel Quickley (20 pts, 3 3PM) led the way for Toronto.

    The Spurs won the fourth quarter 32-17 on the road to secure the victory.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 10:00 ET

    Close games abound

    Spurs-Raptors, Cavs-Bucks and Thunder-Pistons are all within a few baskets as the clock winds down.

    Check out the games!

    FEBRUARY 25 // 9:22 ET

    KPJ on the rise

    Over his last three games, Kevin Porter Jr. has averaged 26.0 ppg, 8.0 ast and just 1.0 turnovers for the Bucks.

    He’s staked them to a 73-65 lead over the Cavaliers with 8:51 to go in the third quarter, as Milwaukee goes on an 11-2 run.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 9:06 ET

    Thunder down

    Isaiah Joe and Brandon Carlson have been ruled out for the Thunder as they face the Pistons, meaning the defending champions are now down nine players, including three of their top four bigs.

    How will this deep Oklahoma City team adjust? Tune in to ESPN to find out.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 8:31 ET

    Good job, GG

    FEBRUARY 25 // 8:25 ET

    Spurs and Raptors in a good one

    41-40 Raptors with 7:45 to go in the second quarter, as No. 5 in the East takes on No. 2 in the West.

    Dylan Harper has 11 points to lead San Antonio, while Scottie Barnes has 9 to counter for Toronto, as well as this sick chasedown swat.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 7:50 ET

    Pistons rolling early

    Check out the dime from Cade Cunningham, No. 4 on the latest Kia MVP Ladder.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 6:30 ET

    Watch out for the Celtics

    The Celtics’ best plays from the last 10 games.

    Joe Mazzulla’s Boston Celtics are 9-1 in their last 10, as they incorporate new arrival Nikola Vučević into a multifaceted group featuring a variety of breakout players.

    Mazzulla’s Celtics are third in net rating (+8.0), second in offensive rating (120.0), third in second chance points (17.4), second in shooting percentage on drives (52.5%), first in pull-up points per game (31.1) and first in screen assists per game (9.9).

    Neemias Queta, Hugo González, Jordan Walsh, Ron Harper Jr. and Luka Garza have all found new roles in the NBA this season, but the Celtics are still flowing, as they form a coherent supporting cast behind Kia MVP candidate Jaylen Brown (29.2 ppg), Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, posting the second-best net rating by a bench in the league (3.6).

    They get the third-greatest percentage of their points from 3-pointers (40.1%) while shooting the second-best percentage in the league in the paint (71.7%) — classic modern offense.

    The Celtics keep the ball hopping, maintain near-immaculate spacing, and know their roles intimately.

    Brown and Pritchard win one-on-one matchups and create advantages; White fills the gaps; Queta and Vučević finish around the rim; González, Walsh and Harper Jr. provide defensive hustle and 3-point shooting.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 5:45 ET

    Welcome to a six-game night in the NBA!

    Jamal Murray and the Nuggets take on the Celtics in the second half of tonight’s ESPN doubleheader.

    Our slate tonight is headlined by an ESPN doubleheader featuring four of the best teams in the Association! We’ve got Thunder-Pistons (7:30 ET) and Celtics-Nuggets (10 ET).

    Here’s tonight’s complete schedule:

     

  • The Athletic: Dwyane Wade: These are the three best leaders I played with in the NBA

    The Athletic: Dwyane Wade: These are the three best leaders I played with in the NBA

    Dwyane Wade played 16 years in the NBA, including 15 with the Miami Heat.

    Dwyane Wade played 16 years in the NBA, including 15 with the Miami Heat.

    Editor’s Note: Read more NBA coverage from The Athletic here. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA or its teams. 

    This story is part of Peak, The Athletic’s desk covering the mental side of sports. 

    Dwyane Wade played 16 years in the NBA and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023. He is now an NBA analyst for Amazon Prime.

    Pat Riley

    He set the standard for us. He taught us the importance of accountability. When you play on a team, you have to have accountability to each other. And that accountability to each other starts with accountability individually.

    To be successful, to raise that trophy and one day call yourself a champion, you have to learn what accountability looks like. And it has to be every day.

    To learn that as a rookie was very important to me.

    Where Pat was great was his attention to detail. That’s something I try to pride myself on, even now.

    In practice — pardon my French – he was a motherf—er. He made sure that each play was run to perfection. The details. You were not able to mess up a play and move on to the next, no matter if it was the first unit or the third unit. Everyone in the gym understood that we couldn’t be perfect, but we were going to get as close to perfect as possible.

    Because when you’re in a game, you’ve got 20,000 in the stands, people are booing you, the lights are bright, the game needs to be seamless. It’s not something you need to think about. We ran things over and over and over until we got it. We could make sure at least that was right.

    In practice, he was wild. He was a different coach during games.

    A lot of times, as a player, your mind, your emotions, your anxiety are all over the place. You make a couple of mistakes, and you start overthinking. He was that calm factor. Every time I went over to him during a game, he laid his hands on me and just gave me a calm feeling and reset me.

    I realized that when you come to the bench after the other team goes on a 10-0 run and the crowd on the road is going wild, you need that calming influence. That’s who he was.

    Shaquille O’Neal

    He was an incredible leader for me from the first moment he got traded to Miami in 2004. The first conversation we had was about what had happened in Los Angeles with Kobe Bryant and what could not happen here in Miami.

    He just let me know right away: “This is your team. I’m your big brother. I’m here to back you up.”

    He was in a totally different place in his career and what he wanted from his experience in Miami. I think he recognized in me what I had, but that it needed to be pulled out. I wasn’t there yet.

    He showed me the ropes. He showed me how to be a superstar on the court and off the court. He even gave me the nickname “Flash.” He sat down and talked to me about authenticity and making sure that my DNA was in everything that I did. It changed the way I went into meetings, it changed the way I thought about my brand and myself.

    The one thing I loved about Shaq: Everything we did, we did together, but he made sure he took care of everyone. He took care of the limousine outside. He took care of the restaurant bill. He took care of everything. And when we went out, he would be like: “We’re going out for an hour and a half. We’re not staying out all night.” I thought that was very important, especially as a young guy coming in.

    He allowed us to enjoy ourselves, but he was on us about how we did it, and he also made sure we were all together doing it.

    He really set the table for me as a young guy.

    Udonis Haslem

    It’s easier for guys who are the No. 1 option and the star on the team to be the voice. It’s automatic a lot of times.

    UD was never one of the top guys when it came to stardom, but he still had the loudest voice in the locker room. When he talked, everyone listened because we knew it wasn’t coming from a selfish place at all. It was coming from a guy who would literally give everything in his body for you on whatever play. He would take fines for you. He was making the least amount of money as an undrafted guy, but he didn’t care.

    He made sure that the rules Pat Riley set down were followed by everyone in the locker room. Even when LeBron James and Chris Bosh came, nothing changed.

    UD and I got into it multiple times. It ain’t like I wanted to hear it every time. But he knew that he could get on me. He knew that I would respond in the right way.

    He understood what I wanted from my career, and when he didn’t see me doing that or providing the things I said I wanted to do, then he held me accountable.

    We talked about that. We talked about the ability to get on each other and not be sensitive about it. We knew we wanted the same things out of it, and we were trying to reach the same goal.

    — As told to Jayson Jenks

    ***

    By: Dwyane Wade

  • Live Updates: Jared McCain’s Thunder take on Cade Cunningham’s Pistons on a six-game night

    Live Updates: Jared McCain’s Thunder take on Cade Cunningham’s Pistons on a six-game night

    Cade Cunningham’s Pistons take on the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder to open our ESPN doubleheader.

    What we know about Wednesday’s games:

    • Our ESPN doubleheader features Thunder-Pistons (7:30 ET) and Celtics-Nuggets (10 ET).
    • Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Draymond Green and Chet Holmgren are out. James Harden is questionable. Jamal Murray is probable. Scottie Barnes is available.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 6:30 ET

    Watch out for the Celtics

    The Celtics’ best plays from the last 10 games.

    Joe Mazzulla’s Boston Celtics are 9-1 in their last 10, as they incorporate new arrival Nikola Vučević into a multifaceted group featuring a variety of breakout players.

    Mazzulla’s Celtics are third in net rating (+8.0), second in offensive rating (120.0), third in second chance points (17.4), second in shooting percentage on drives (52.5%), first in pull-up points per game (31.1) and first in screen assists per game (9.9).

    Neemias Queta, Hugo González, Jordan Walsh, Ron Harper Jr. and Luka Garza have all found new roles in the NBA this season, but the Celtics are still flowing, as they form a coherent supporting cast behind Kia MVP candidate Jaylen Brown (29.2 ppg), Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, posting the second-best net rating by a bench in the league (3.6).

    They get the third-greatest percentage of their points from 3-pointers (40.1%) while shooting the second-best percentage in the league in the paint (71.7%) — classic modern offense.

    The Celtics keep the ball hopping, maintain near-immaculate spacing, and know their roles intimately.

    Brown and Pritchard win one-on-one matchups and create advantages; White fills the gaps; Queta and Vučević finish around the rim; González, Walsh and Harper Jr. provide defensive hustle and 3-point shooting.

    FEBRUARY 25 // 5:45 ET

    Welcome to a six-game night in the NBA!

    Jamal Murray and the Nuggets take on the Celtics in the second half of tonight’s ESPN doubleheader.

    Our slate tonight is headlined by an ESPN doubleheader featuring four of the best teams in the Association! We’ve got Thunder-Pistons (7:30 ET) and Celtics-Nuggets (10 ET).

    Here’s tonight’s complete schedule: