Knicks’ Brown: SGA tops in convincing refs of fouls
“SGA, he’s a tough cover, and he does a great job of convincing the referees — probably better than anybody in the league — that he’s getting hit,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said after his team’s 103-100 loss to the Thunder on Wednesday night.
Caruso, Hartenstein exit OKC win with injuries
Alex Caruso (left hip contusion) and Isaiah Hartenstein (left calf tightness) were ruled out during the team’s 103-100 victory over the Knicks on Wednesday night and will be reevaluated Thursday.
2026 NBA Draft Class On Track To Break 2017 Record For Most Freshmen In Lottery
The 2026 NBA Draft freshman class is historically deep, with the group on pace to challenge or surpass the record 11 freshmen selected among the 14 lottery picks in 2017. All nine prospects atop ESPN’s current rankings are first-year college players, with five additional freshmen inside the top 20 within striking distance of lottery consideration.
The 2017 draft class was headlined by freshmen Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, De’Aaron Fox, Jonathan Isaac and Lauri Markkanen.
The 2026 class has been strong enough to drive deliberate losing across the NBA, with multiple franchises openly prioritizing improved lottery odds to position themselves for a top pick.
At the center of the conversation are Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, the two leading candidates for the No. 1 selection. Peterson entered the season as the consensus frontrunner, regarded as the draft’s most gifted shot creator and perimeter shooter. A difficult freshman year marked by injury and illness has complicated his standing, though NBA scouts have consistently urged patience pending a full medical review at the combine.
Dybantsa has steadily closed the gap as the 6-foot-8 forward leads the Big 12 in scoring at 26.2 points per game, has improved his three-point shooting to 34.7% and carries a 7-foot wingspan that scouts believe gives him the highest two-way ceiling in the class. Sources indicate NBA front offices are splitting hairs between the two prospects heading into March.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer ranks third, putting together arguably the best statistical season of any prospect in the class while leading the 28-2 Blue Devils. He is on pace to break Zion Williamson’s record for box plus-minus at Duke, per BartTorvik.com, and projects as the most NBA-ready player in the group. His lack of rim protection and lateral quickness have kept some evaluators from placing him higher.
North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson ranks fourth despite fracturing his hand in February and is working toward a return for the NCAA tournament. Houston’s Kingston Flemings, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler, Tennessee’s Nate Ament, Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. and Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. round out the nine consensus lottery prospects, all freshmen.
Beyond that group, Arizona’s Braydon Burries has generated the most momentum among secondary prospects after a strong second half of the season. Washington’s Hannes Steinbach, UConn’s Braylon Mullins, Houston’s Chris Cenac Jr. and Arizona’s Koa Peat are also projected first-round freshmen with outside lottery potential.
The 2017 draft produced 16 freshmen in the first round overall. The 2026 class is positioned to challenge that benchmark as well.
Anthony Davis cleared to begin limited on-court activities, will be re-evaluated again in 2 weeks, Wizards say
Although Trae Young is poised to make his Washington Wizards debut on Thursday, the team’s other recently acquired star still has a ways to go in his recovery.
Anthony Davis, out with ligament damage in his left hand, will be re-evaluated again in two weeks, the Wizards announced Thursday, hours before their home game against the Utah Jazz.
Davis was re-evaluated Wednesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, per the team’s statement.
“He continues to progress as expected and has been cleared to begin limited individual on-court basketball activities,” the statement reads.
Davis hasn’t played since Jan. 8, when he injured his hand while defending Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen on a baseline drive.
At the time, the 10-time All-Star big man was playing for the Dallas Mavericks. But the Mavericks traded Davis to the Wizards as part of an eight-player deal ahead of the deadline last month.
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league for the 2026 MLB season]
This story is being updated.
Hawks vs Bucks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
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The Milwaukee Bucks brought back Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it is fair to wonder to what end. The Atlanta Hawks are four games ahead in the standings for the final Play-In spot in the Eastern Conference, and that should become five games tonight.
My Hawks vs. Bucks predictions and NBA picks will not put faith in Atlanta, but they will also not put faith in Giannis aside from crashing the glass on Wednesday, March 4.
Hawks vs Bucks best bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 10.5 rebounds (+110)
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the court on Monday, his first action since late January. The Milwaukee Bucks’ cornerstone struggled from the field, going 7-of-18 for 19 points, but he was still an asset.
Antetokounmpo’s 11 rebounds showed he’s still impacting the game despite being out of rhythm. That rhythm might take time to return, but those misses create more chances for him to crash the boards against the Atlanta Hawks.
Antetokounmpo’s rhythm will struggle as long as he is on a minutes restriction, playing just 25 in his return.
Milwaukee’s three-game losing streak will also plague some of his play, as the Bucks have little incentive to win or stress their superstar.
Milwaukee has not cracked 100 points in its last three games, a trend that underscores that this roster is more broken than Antetokounmpo deserves.
Milwaukee is 0-3 against the spread in its last three games, falling short of bookmakers’ expectations by at least 20 points in each of those games. Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Bucks.
| Location | Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI |
| Date | Wednesday, March 4, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
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Pacers vs Clippers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
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Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn could be one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA.
He’s not only Los Angeles’ top perimeter defender, but the veteran guard has upped his offensive efforts over the past month, averaging almost 10 points per game in the Clippers’ last 10 outings.
Los Angeles is a sizable home favorite against the Indiana Pacers tonight, and my Pacers vs. Clippers predictions and NBA picks like Dunn to keep contributing on both ends of the floor.
Pacers vs Clippers best bet: Kris Dunn Over 7.5 points (-105)
As mentioned, Kris Dunn has been doing more on the offensive side since early February.
He’s scored 8+ points in seven of the L.A. Clippers’ past 10 games, including 16 points in the recent win over Golden State.
Dunn, who went 7-for-10 in just 26 minutes Monday, faces an Indiana Pacers team riding out a lost season. Indiana has dropped six straight showings and sits 27th in defensive rating over its last 10 outings.
Wednesday’s game will have a quicker tempo, with Indiana involved, and Dunn’s player projections range from 7.9 to 8.8 points.
The Clippers are fighting to stay in the conversation for the play-in tournament while the Pacers are in full “tank mode”, sliding into L.A. on a six-game losing skid. Indiana is 1-9 SU and 4-6 ATS in non-conference road games.
Dunn is averaging almost 10 points over the last 10 games. His projections flirt with nine points versus a Pacers team trying to tank for a Top 3 pick.
Andrew Nembhard is seeing his playing time tick down with Indiana giving up on the season, and the guard is nursing a sore back. His projections are as low as 12.4 points tonight.
In La La Land, you need a strong supporting cast. With the Clippers running away from the Pacers, I like L.A. to spread the love around to Dunn, Brook Lopez, and Kobe Sanders — all of whom are projected to top their scoring totals tonight.
The Pacers have only covered twice in the past 11 games since February 3. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Clippers.
| Location | Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA |
| Date | Wednesday, March 4, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN-Indiana, FDSN-SoCal |
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Is the buzz in Charlotte real + will Jayson Tatum return this season?
On today’s Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the NBA’s hottest team: the Charlotte Hornets.
What’s the secret behind their sudden rise to dominance? Then, the pair discuss the nuances of the Achilles injury return on the back of rumblings that Jayson Tatum may return this season. Is it a good idea, or should Tatum take it easy? That and more on today’s TBN!
(01:04) The Big Number: Kon Knueppel’s historic year from 3
(19:20) Little Number 1: Ball and Miller effectiveness
(26:45) Little Number 2: When Diabate starts the Hornets win
(31:00) Little Number 3: LaMelo has found his role
(39:39) Should Jayson Tatum return?
🖥️ Watch this full episode on the Yahoo Sports NBA YouTube channel
Check out all episodes of The Big Number and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv
Knicks vs Raptors Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for March 3
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Get set for a key Atlantic Division showdown with our Knicks vs. Raptors computer picks!
Our data-driven system has crunched the numbers so you don’t have to, delivering six NBA picks — three NBA player prop projections for each side — for Tuesday, March 3.
If you still desire the human touch, check out Andrew Caley’s Knicks vs. Raptors predictions.
 Knicks |
 Raptors |
|---|---|
| Towns o17.5 points -115 |
Ingram o1.5 threes -105 |
| Hart u5.5 assists -155 |
Quickley o5.5 assists +115 |
| Anunoby o4.5 rebounds -115 |
Barrett o1.5 threes -112 |
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Projection: 19.3
Our projections are calling for Karl-Anthony Towns to beat this line by nearly two full points for a +17.49% EV edge. Our computer believes rebounding ability will give Towns the help he needs.
“Offensive rebounds continue possession and produce more chances for scoring and assists, and the New York Knicks rank 4th-best in in the league with 13.1 offensive rebounds per game this year.”
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Projection: 4.5
Our system’s second four-star play for the New York Knicks has Josh Hart finishing one full assist Under his current betting line. Tempo, or a lack thereof, will tell the story of this wager.
“The Knicks have played at the 6th-slowest pace-of-play in the NBA over the last 25 games. The Toronto Raptors have played at the 9th-most lethargic tempo in the league over the last 5 games in their home city, which ought to decrease possessions for the Knicks.”
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Projection: 5.2
As alluded to in the Towns bet, the Knicks are a terrific rebounding team. OG Anunoby has been helpful in that area all year long, pulling down 5.3 boards per game.
The Toronto Raptors are 12th-worst in the NBA in defensive rebound percentage.
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Projection: 1.9
This is a four-star play carrying a +13.66 EV edge. Here’s why our computer is calling for Brandon Ingram to hit two or more triples tonight:
“The matchup against New York is a favorable one for three-pointers; when the New York Knicks are the visiting squad, opposing starting SFs have posted the highest three percentage in the NBA this year (48.0%).”
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Projection: 5.8
Not only is Immanuel Quickley averaging 6.0 assists per game this season, but you’re getting plus-money for him to match or better his season average tonight.
Our system calculates a 10.09% EV edge.
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Projection: 1.8
Our computer is targeting another Raptors 3-pointer prop, this time with former Knick RJ Barrett. New York’s defense has been vulnerable to the deep shot, surrendering an 11th-worst 13.7 per game, with shooting guards making hay, in particular.
“This year, the other team’s starting SGs have shot 44.7% on threes (best in the league) vs. the New York Knicks.”
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| Location | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date | Tuesday, March 3, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | MSG, Sportsnet |
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Spurs vs 76ers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
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The San Antonio Spurs’ 11-game win streak was snapped on Sunday, and the Western Conference heavyweights will look to start a new one when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers.
Philly’s frontcourt is vulnerable, and my Spurs vs. 76ers predictions expect the big man duo of Luke Kornet and Victor Wembanyama to lead San Antonio to a comfortable win behind big performances.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference showdown on Tuesday, March 3.
Spurs vs 76ers best bet: Luke Kornet Over 11.5 points + rebounds + assists (-120)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ interior defense will be exposed again with Joel Embiid on the sidelines.
The team’s defensive rating without Embiid is a dreadful 117.1 this season. Philly surrendered 114 points, 59 total rebounds, and a whopping 19 offensive boards in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Celtics.
Luke Kornet is averaging a career-best 15.5 points + rebounds + assists, going for 12+ in 38 of 50 games, including six of his last nine. This line is wildly mispriced, and Kornet could see additional run if the San Antonio Spurs run away with the game in this favorable matchup.
The 76ers are just 14-17 against the spread at home, while the Spurs are 17-14-1 ATS on the road. The Spurs’ 11-game win streak was snapped in a rare blowout loss on Sunday, and I expect San Antonio to come out with a vengeance and win comfortably.
Philadelphia’s offense may struggle to score against San Antonio’s stingy defense, especially with Embiid and Paul George sidelined.
Wembanyama’s combo line would have been the best bet had it not been for the advantageous pricing on Kornet’s line. Wemby will benefit from Embiid’s absence, and he’s already gone for 40+ PRA in two of his last four games overall and in each of his last two in Philadelphia.
The San Antonio Spurs have hit the Game Total Under in 25 of their last 35 games (+14.00 Units / 36% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. 76ers.
| Location | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Tuesday, March 3, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
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Zion Williamson Opens Up On Mental Toll Of Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson acknowledged Monday that public criticism of his commitment has been the most painful aspect of an NBA career repeatedly interrupted by injury. The 2019 No. 1 overall pick spoke candidly during a sit-down interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews on “NBA Today.”
“The part that would get at me the most is people saying I didn’t care and I care a lot,” Williamson said. “I really care and when you’re not on the court and you just have to sit on the sideline, how much my critics hate it, I hate it more than them. Because I don’t want to be on the sideline, I want to be out there on the court. That was a part of the process of looking in the mirror. Am I doing enough? Am I really doing what I need to do? Going through all those injuries and missing lots of time because of it, it did a lot on my mental, but it also helped me grow as a pro.”
Williamson identified the third year of his career when he missed the entire 2021-22 season as his lowest point. Facing an uncertain surgical outcome, he endured relentless public scrutiny over his fitness and dedication.
Williamson, who is represented by
“There was a lot of criticism on my weight, my care for the game,” he said. “But the whole time I’m looking at a doctor and the doctor is telling me that, ‘yeah we’re going to perform this surgery, but if this surgery doesn’t work we really don’t know the next step.’ And people are saying what they’re saying and everybody is entitled to their own opinion. It is what it is. I’m in Portland rehabbing, not knowing if my foot’s going to heal. And it was frustrating and I was really low because I just wanted to play basketball. I just wanted to play the game I loved, but every time you turn the TV on and every time I checked my phone, it was nothing but negative criticism. And at the time, it did a lot.”
Williamson played just 24 games as a rookie, missed the full 2021-22 campaign and was limited to 29 games in 2022-23 due to a hamstring injury. He has surpassed 50 games played in a season only twice across six years.
Williamson currently has the NBA’s 10th best PER this season and is 43rd in RealGM’s Player Value Index Rankings.
Williamson, who is represented by Bill Duffy, can become a free agent in 2028.