Basketball – Winnipeg Free Press

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) advances the ball down court in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

Cooper Flagg in Mavericks’ starting lineup vs. Magic after missing 8 games with foot injury

The Associated Press 2 minute read 5:44 PM CST

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg is back in the starting lineup for Dallas against the Orlando Magic on Thursday night after missing eight games with a foot injury.

Flagg, the No. 1 pick in last year's NBA draft, was sidelined with a left mid-foot sprain. He last played at Phoenix on Feb. 10.

The 6-foot-9 forward out of Duke is averaging a team-leading 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 49 games. He has missed a total of 12 games in his rookie season.

The 19-year-old Flagg leads all NBA rookies in scoring, and ranks fourth in rebounds and second in assists. Against the Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 29, he scored 49 points and became the youngest player to score at least 45 points in an NBA game.

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Celtics’ Jayson Tatum listed as ‘questionable,’ on verge of return 9 months after Achilles surgery

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Celtics’ Jayson Tatum listed as ‘questionable,’ on verge of return 9 months after Achilles surgery

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 12:59 PM CST

BOSTON (AP) — Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is on the verge of making a return to NBA action nine months after rupturing his right Achilles tendon injury during last season’s playoffs.

Tatum was listed as questionable on the Celtics’ injury report on Thursday ahead of the team’s home matchup with the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.

It is the first time this season he hasn’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.

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has said that Tatum wouldn’t be cleared to return until he was ready to play both physically and mentally. That time may have arrived.

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Updated: 12:59 PM CST

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum stands next to bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Celtics list Jayson Tatum as questionable, clearing way for his return 9 months after Achilles tendon surgery

The Associated Press 1 minute read 12:39 PM CST

BOSTON (AP) — Celtics list Jayson Tatum as questionable, clearing way for his return 9 months after Achilles tendon surgery.

Utah faces Washington, seeks to end 7-game skid

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:04 AM CST

Utah Jazz (18-44, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Washington Wizards (16-45, 13th in the Eastern Conference)

Washington; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Utah enters the matchup against Washington after losing seven straight games.

The Wizards have gone 11-21 in home games. Washington has a 7-35 record in games decided by 10 points or more.

Leonard scores 29 as the Clippers beat the Pacers 130-107 for a third straight win

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Leonard scores 29 as the Clippers beat the Pacers 130-107 for a third straight win

The Associated Press 2 minute read 12:30 AM CST

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 29 points, Bennedict Mathurin scored 23 on 8-for-11-shooting, and the Los Angeles Clippers won their third in a row, 130-107 over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.

Brook Lopez had 17 points for the Clippers while Darius Garland had 12 in his first home game since being acquired in a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers last month.

Pascal Siakam had 29 points in his return after sitting out three games with a left wrist sprain to lead Indiana, but the Pacers lost their seventh in a row and fell to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a 15-47 record.

Jay Huff had 18 and was 4 of 8 on 3-pointers, and Jarace Walker finished with 17.

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12:30 AM CST

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Hawks beat slumping Bucks 131-113 to win 5th straight and climb above .500

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Hawks beat slumping Bucks 131-113 to win 5th straight and climb above .500

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: 1:01 AM CST

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 23 points and the Atlanta Hawks defeated the slumping Milwaukee Bucks 131-113 on Wednesday night to win their fifth straight game and move above .500 for the first time since December.

Atlanta (32-31) was 15-12 after a Dec. 14 victory over Philadelphia, but the Hawks lost their next seven games and hadn’t owned a winning record since.

Onyeka Okongwu had 21 points and Jalen Johnson added 20 points and nine assists as the Hawks erased an early 16-point deficit. CJ McCollum scored 18 points, while Dyson Daniels had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The Hawks outscored the Bucks 65-42 in the second half.

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Updated: 1:01 AM CST

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo drives agains the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Holmgren scores 28 as Thunder edge Knicks 103-100 for a fourth straight win

The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Holmgren scores 28 as Thunder edge Knicks 103-100 for a fourth straight win

The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 12:38 AM CST

NEW YORK (AP) — Chet Holmgren had 28 points and eight rebounds, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder edged the New York Knicks 103-100 on Wednesday night.

Holmgren tied a career high with six 3-pointers and Lu Dort added 16 points for the Thunder, who recovered after the Knicks took the lead with a 40-point third quarter, going back ahead early in the fourth and nursing a small advantage the rest of the way.

Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby missed tying 3-point attempts on the final possession as Oklahoma City won its fourth straight and snapped New York’s three-game winning streak.

Karl-Anthony Towns had 17 points and 17 rebounds for the Knicks. Brunson had 16 points and a season-high 15 assists, but shot just 5 for 18. Anunoby also had 16 points.

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Updated: 12:38 AM CST

Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) protects the ball from New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson (11) and Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Holiday and Grant power the Trail Blazers to a 122-114 win over the Grizzlies

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Holiday and Grant power the Trail Blazers to a 122-114 win over the Grizzlies

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 9:54 PM CST

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Jrue Holiday had 35 points and 11 assists, and Jerami Grant added 30 points as the Portland Trail Blazers snapped a two-game skid with a 122-114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.

Portland (30-33), making a push to qualify for the postseason, used a 24-19 scoring edge over the final nine minutes to seal the win. The Trail Blazers had lost three of their last four and four of their last six games entering Wednesday.

Robert Williams III had 20 points and 11 rebounds for Portland. Matisse Thybulle contributed three rebounds, an assist and a steal on his 29th birthday.

The Grizzlies got double-figure scoring from seven players, but it wasn't enough against Portland as they lost their second straight and for the ninth time in 12 games. Memphis was playing the second game of a back to back after falling to Minnesota 117-110 on Tuesday.

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Yesterday at 9:54 PM CST

Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) grabs a rebound in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Quentin Grimes’ late free throws help the 76ers send the Jazz to a 7th straight loss

Aaron Bracy, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Quentin Grimes’ late free throws help the 76ers send the Jazz to a 7th straight loss

Aaron Bracy, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 9:16 PM CST

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Quentin Grimes hit two tiebreaking free throws with 16.4 seconds remaining, Tyrese Maxey scored 25 points and the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers beat the Utah Jazz 106-102 on Wednesday night.

Grimes finished with 16 points and Jabari Walker had 22 points for the 76ers, who were without Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe and suspended Paul George.

Keyonte George scored 30 points for the Jazz, who have lost seven in a row.

Philadelphia, which entered in sixth place in the Eastern Conference playoff race, trailed 100-94 with 4:51 left after George hit a 3. But Utah missed its next six field goals, and Philadelphia tied it at 100 on Adem Bona’s follow dunk with 1:50 left.

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Yesterday at 9:16 PM CST

Philadelphia 76ers' Tyrese Maxey, left, drives to the basket against Utah Jazz's Mo Bamba, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Knueppel scores 20, Hornets beat Celtics 118-89 to earn 6th straight win, move above .500

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Knueppel scores 20, Hornets beat Celtics 118-89 to earn 6th straight win, move above .500

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 8:58 PM CST

BOSTON (AP) — Kon Knueppel scored 20 points and the Charlotte Hornets extended their win streak to six games with a a 118-89 win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.

Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball each added 18 points. Coby White finished with 17 points and six assists to help Charlotte (32-31) move above .500 for the first time since Oct. 26.

The Hornets never trailed and led by as many as 29 points while committing only five turnovers.

Derrick White led the Celtics with 29 points. Jaylen Brown added 20 points and 11 rebounds as Boston’s win streak was stopped at three games.

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Yesterday at 8:58 PM CST

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics during the first half of an NBA basketballl game, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Holmgren and Gilgeous-Alexander help Thunder edge the Knicks 103-100

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Holmgren and Gilgeous-Alexander help Thunder edge the Knicks 103-100

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 8:55 PM CST

NEW YORK (AP) — Chet Holmgren had 28 points and eight rebounds, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder edged the New York Knicks 103-100 on Wednesday night.

Holmgren tied a career high with six 3-pointers and Lu Dort added 16 points for the Thunder, who recovered after the Knicks took the lead with a 40-point third quarter, going back ahead early in the fourth and nursing a small advantage the rest of the way.

Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby missed tying 3-point attempts on the final possession as Oklahoma City won its fourth straight and snapped New York's three-game winning streak.

Karl-Anthony Towns had 17 points and 17 rebounds for the Knicks. Brunson had 16 points and a season-high 15 assists, but shot just 5 for 18. Anunoby also had 16 points.

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Yesterday at 8:55 PM CST

Oklahoma City Thunder's Jaylin Williams (6) fights for control of the ball with New York Knicks' Mohamed Diawara (51) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Wizards announce F Kyshawn George has a partially torn UCL in his left elbow

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Wizards announce F Kyshawn George has a partially torn UCL in his left elbow

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 7:53 PM CST

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Wizards announced Wednesday that forward Kyshawn George partially tore the UCL in his left elbow Monday against Houston.

The team says the 22-year-old George will be re-evaluated in three weeks.

George, a first-round draft pick in 2024, has started all 48 games he has appeared in this season. He's averaging 14.8 points and shooting 38% from 3-point range.

The Wizards host Utah on Thursday night in what is expected to be newly acquired point guard Trae Young's debut with Washington after he was traded from Atlanta in January.

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Yesterday at 7:53 PM CST

Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George reacts after he was called for a foul during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Grizzlies sign forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper to multi-year contract

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Grizzlies sign forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper to multi-year contract

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 1:15 PM CST

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper has signed a multi-year contract.

The Grizzlies announced the deal Wednesday without disclosing terms.

Prosper, 23, has averaged 7.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 15.8 minutes in 36 games with the Grizzlies this season. He has made seven starts for them.

Over Prosper's last nine games, the 6-foot-7 forward has averaged 14 points and 24.3 minutes while shooting 67.5% from the floor.

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Yesterday at 1:15 PM CST

Memphis Grizzlies forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (18) handles the ball between Golden State Warriors center Al Horford, right, and guard Gary Payton II (0) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

WNBA executive committee meets, Stewart says players still unified amid CBA talks

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

WNBA executive committee meets, Stewart says players still unified amid CBA talks

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 2:22 PM CST

MEDLEY, Fla. (AP) — Breanna Stewart, who teamed with fellow WNBA star Kelsey Plum on a letter to the players' association this week expressing concerns about the state of labor talks with the league, said Wednesday she feels better about where things stand and is convinced players are still unified in what they want in the next collective bargaining agreement.

And the union, later Wednesday, released a statement saying the league's latest offer “is not worth taking" — with less than a week remaining until the deadline for getting a deal done and preserving a full 2026 WNBA season.

Stewart was part of a call with other members of the players' executive committee on Tuesday night, hours after the letter that she and Plum wrote to WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson — one where they expressed “serious concerns about how (the union) is handling the current negotiations.”

Several media outlets, including The Associated Press, obtained copies of the letter, which was dated Monday.

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Updated: Yesterday at 2:22 PM CST

Mist BC wing Breanna Stewart (30) chases down a loose ball during the second half of a semifinal in an Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball game against Breeze BC, Monday, March 2, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Toronto Raptors keep learning hard lessons against NBA’s top 10 teams

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Toronto Raptors keep learning hard lessons against NBA’s top 10 teams

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 4:00 AM CST

TORONTO - Every time the Toronto Raptors suffer another loss to a top-10 team, they talk about lessons and process and patience.

But Brandon Ingram also can't deny that it's annoying.

"When you fall short, you always get frustrated, especially in the moment," said Ingram after putting up 31 points in Toronto's 111-95 loss to the New York Knicks on Tuesday. "But frustration isn't always bad, you know? There's something to learn in every single game.

"Tonight was having some lapses on defence and trying to figure out our fourth-quarter execution. But every game that we go to, we get better, and we're learning, trying to learn how to win."

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Yesterday at 4:00 AM CST

Toronto Raptors' Brandon Ingram (3) drives past New York Knicks' Og Anunoby (8) during first half NBA basketball action in Toronto on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Sacramento hosts New Orleans on home slide

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 1:23 AM CST

New Orleans Pelicans (19-44, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (14-49, 15th in the Western Conference)

Sacramento, California; Thursday, 10 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento aims to end its eight-game home losing streak with a win against New Orleans.

The Kings have gone 10-33 against Western Conference teams. Sacramento has a 10-34 record against teams above .500.

March 5, 2026

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