Achilles healed: Celtics OK Tatum for Fri. return
Jayson Tatum is officially available for the Celtics’ Friday night home game against the Mavericks. Tatum suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in the playoffs less than 10 months ago.
Author: Editor
Celtics star Jayson Tatum's status upgraded to available, clearing way for season debut vs. Dallas
Celtics star Jayson Tatum's status upgraded to available, clearing way for season debut vs. Dallas
BOSTON (AP) — Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum’s status has been upgraded to available, clearing the way for him to make his season debut almost 10 months after having surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon.
Tatum’s status was updated Friday afternoon ahead of the Celtics’ home matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.
Tatum was listed as questionable for the game Thursday. It marked the first time this season he hadn’t been listed as sidelined and undergoing rehabilitation for the injury he suffered during Game 4 of Boston’s Eastern Conference semifinal loss to the New York Knicks last May.
Tatum previously indicated his return to the court would be for a home game.
Boston (41-21) currently sits in second place in the Eastern Conference standings.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Caruso, Hartenstein exit OKC win with injuries
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.
Knicks’ Brown: SGA tops in convincing refs of fouls
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.
2026 NBA Draft Class On Track To Break 2017 Record For Most Freshmen In Lottery
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
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.
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This story is being updated.
Pacers vs Clippers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
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 prediction
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.
Pacers vs Clippers same-game parlay
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.
Pacers vs Clippers SGP
- Clippers -12.5
- Kris Dunn Over 7.5 points
- Andrew Nembhard Under 15.5 points
Our “from downtown” SGP: Best Supporting Actors
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.
Pacers vs Clippers SGP
- Clippers -12.5
- Kris Dunn Over 7.5 points
- Brook Lopez Over 9.5 points
- Kobe Sanders Over 6.5 points
Pacers vs Clippers odds
- Spread: Pacers +12.5 | Clippers -12.5
- Moneyline: Pacers +500 | Clippers -700
- Over/Under: Over 227 | Under 227
Pacers vs Clippers betting trend to know
The Pacers have only covered twice in the past 11 games since February 3. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Clippers.
How to watch 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 |
Pacers vs Clippers latest injuries
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Hawks vs Bucks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
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 prediction
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.
Hawks vs Bucks same-game parlay
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.
Hawks vs Bucks SGP
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 10.5 rebounds
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 25.5 points
- Hawks moneyline
Our “from downtown” SGP: Broken Bucks
Milwaukee has not cracked 100 points in its last three games, a trend that underscores that this roster is more broken than Antetokounmpo deserves.
Hawks vs Bucks SGP
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 10.5 rebounds
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 25.5 points
- Hawks moneyline
- Under 232.5
Hawks vs Bucks odds
- Spread: Hawks +1 (-110) | Bucks -1 (-110)
- Moneyline: Hawks -105 | Bucks -115
- Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)
Hawks vs Bucks betting trend to know
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.
How to watch Hawks vs Bucks
| Location | Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI |
| Date | Wednesday, March 4, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Hawks vs Bucks latest injuries
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Is the buzz in Charlotte real + will Jayson Tatum return this season?
Is the buzz in Charlotte real + will Jayson Tatum return this season?
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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?
Neil Redmond
🖥️ 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
Spurs vs 76ers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
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 prediction
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.
Spurs vs 76ers same-game parlay
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.
Spurs vs 76ers SGP
- Luke Kornet Over 11.5 points + rebounds + assists
- Spurs -8
- Under 231.5
Our “from downtown” SGP: Wemby’s Super-Sized Combo
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.
Spurs vs 76ers SGP
- Luke Kornet Over 11.5 points + rebounds + assists
- Spurs -8
- Under 231.5
- Victor Wembanyama Over 39.5 points + rebounds + assists
Spurs vs 76ers odds
- Spread: Spurs -8 (-110) | 76ers +8 (-110)
- Moneyline: Spurs -315 | 76ers +255
- Over/Under: Over 232 (-110) | Under 232 (-110)
Spurs vs 76ers betting trend to know
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.
How to watch Spurs vs 76ers
| Location | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Tuesday, March 3, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
Spurs vs 76ers latest injuries
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