Advertisement

Learn more about Winnipeg Free Press Advertising solutions

Basketball

Tracy McGrady, left, and Vince Carter speak to the media regarding their minority ownership in the Buffalo Bills in Toronto on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady trying to bring Bills, Raptors fans together

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 7:23 PM CST

TORONTO - When Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady bought a minority stake in the Buffalo Bills, they insisted they'd do more than just contribute to the NFL team financially.

That was evident as they hosted Bills Night on Tuesday as the Toronto Raptors hosted the New York Knicks. Carter, whose jersey was retired by the Raptors in an emotional ceremony last season, said that the collaboration was all about fun.

"The appreciation for both sports, coming together, learning what American football is about," said Carter in the media centre at Scotiabank Arena, noting there were a couple of Bills players attending the game. "They've never had the opportunity to experience what Raptors basketball looks like nowadays and that's what we want.

"We want the appreciation to both sides, and that's why we were excited about joining the Bills, having the opportunity to bring this collaboration together."

Advertisement

Advertise With Us

Weather

Mar. 4, 6 PM: -10°c Cloudy with wind Mar. 5, 12 AM: -14°c Cloudy with wind

Winnipeg MB

-9°C, Blowing snow

Full Forecast

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 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."

Read
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
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 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.

Podziemski, Warriors to visit Durant, Rockets

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Golden State Warriors (31-30, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (38-22, third in the Western Conference)

Houston; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Rockets host the Golden State Warriors in Western Conference play Thursday.

The Rockets are 21-16 against conference opponents. Houston leads the Western Conference in rebounding, averaging 48.4 boards. Alperen Sengun paces the Rockets with 9.2 rebounds.

Edwards leads Minnesota against Toronto after 41-point showing

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Toronto Raptors (35-26, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (39-23, fourth in the Western Conference)

Minneapolis; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota faces the Toronto Raptors after Anthony Edwards scored 41 points in the Minnesota Timberwolves' 117-110 win against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Timberwolves have gone 21-11 in home games. Minnesota is ninth in the league with 44.8 rebounds led by Rudy Gobert averaging 11.5.

Thunder take on the Knicks, aim for 4th straight victory

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Oklahoma City Thunder (48-15, first in the Western Conference) vs. New York Knicks (40-22, third in the Eastern Conference)

New York; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Oklahoma City seeks to keep its three-game win streak alive when the Thunder take on New York.

The Knicks have gone 23-8 at home. New York is fourth in the league averaging 14.8 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 37.5% from deep. Jalen Brunson leads the team averaging 2.9 makes while shooting 37.8% from 3-point range.

Miami puts home win streak on the line against Brooklyn

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Brooklyn Nets (15-46, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (33-29, eighth in the Eastern Conference)

Miami; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Miami hosts Brooklyn looking to prolong its three-game home winning streak.

The Heat are 17-18 in conference play. Miami is third in the league with 54.4 points in the paint led by Jaime Jaquez Jr. averaging 10.2.

Denver hosts Los Angeles following Murray’s 45-point outing

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Los Angeles Lakers (36-24, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (38-24, fifth in the Western Conference)

Denver; Thursday, 10 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Denver faces the Los Angeles Lakers after Jamal Murray scored 45 points in the Denver Nuggets' 128-125 win over the Utah Jazz.

The Nuggets are 22-13 against conference opponents. Denver is sixth in the NBA with 33.5 defensive rebounds per game led by Nikola Jokic averaging 9.5.

San Antonio plays Detroit, looks for 6th straight home win

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Detroit Pistons (45-15, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (44-17, second in the Western Conference)

San Antonio; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio hosts Detroit aiming to extend its five-game home winning streak.

The Spurs are 21-6 on their home court. San Antonio ranks third in the Western Conference in team defense, allowing only 111.4 points while holding opponents to 45.0% shooting.

Chicago plays Phoenix on 5-game road slide

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Chicago Bulls (25-37, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (34-26, seventh in the Western Conference)

Phoenix; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Chicago will attempt to stop its five-game road losing streak when the Bulls visit Phoenix.

The Suns have gone 20-12 at home. Phoenix is sixth in the league allowing just 111.4 points per game while holding opponents to 46.9% shooting.

Avdija, Trail Blazers square off against the Grizzlies

The Associated Press 3 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Portland Trail Blazers (29-33, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (23-37, 11th in the Western Conference)

Memphis, Tennessee; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Deni Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers take on Cam Spencer and the Memphis Grizzlies in Western Conference action.

The Grizzlies are 18-24 against Western Conference opponents. Memphis has a 2-4 record in one-possession games.

Utah takes on Philadelphia on 6-game skid

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Utah Jazz (18-43, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (33-28, sixth in the Eastern Conference)

Philadelphia; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Utah heads into the matchup against Philadelphia as losers of six straight games.

The 76ers are 16-16 on their home court. Philadelphia has a 14-21 record against opponents above .500.

Charlotte plays Boston on 5-game win streak

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Charlotte Hornets (31-31, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (41-20, second in the Eastern Conference)

Boston; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte is looking to keep its five-game win streak alive when the Hornets take on Boston.

The Celtics are 27-13 against Eastern Conference opponents. Boston is sixth in the NBA with 46.2 rebounds led by Nikola Vucevic averaging 8.8.

Dallas faces Orlando on 4-game skid

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:04 AM CST

Dallas Mavericks (21-40, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (32-28, seventh in the Eastern Conference)

Orlando, Florida; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Dallas aims to end its four-game losing streak with a victory over Orlando.

The Magic have gone 19-12 in home games. Orlando is ninth in the Eastern Conference with 32.3 defensive rebounds per game led by Paolo Banchero averaging 7.3.

Suns beat the NBA-worst Kings 114-103 to sweep season series

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Suns beat the NBA-worst Kings 114-103 to sweep season series

The Associated Press 2 minute read 12:36 AM CST

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Jalen Green scored 20 points, Grayson Allen had 18 and the Phoenix Suns beat the NBA-worst Sacramento Kings 114-103 on Tuesday night to sweep the four-game season series.

Seventh in the West at 35-26, the Suns won their second straight and got back Devin Booker after the star guard missed four games because of a right hip injury. He scored 14 of his 17 points in the first half.

Collin Gillespie scored 17 points — hitting 5 of 8 3-pointers — and had nine assists and six rebounds. Oso Ighodaro added 14 points and 14 rebounds. Phoenix is without Dillon Brooks because of a fractured left hand.

The Suns used a 14-0 run in the third quarter to turn a 63-62 deficit into a 76-63 lead. Royce O’Neale capped the run with consecutive 3-pointers.

Read
12:36 AM CST

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) talks with an official during the first half of an NBA basketball game against Sacramento Kings, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Alan Greth)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) talks with an official during the first half of an NBA basketball game against Sacramento Kings, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Alan Greth)

Luka Doncic scores 27 points as the Lakers rally past the Pelicans, 110-101

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Luka Doncic scores 27 points as the Lakers rally past the Pelicans, 110-101

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 2 minute read 12:13 AM CST

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic had 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, LeBron James added 21 points and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied past the New Orleans Pelicans 110-101 Tuesday night for their third straight victory.

Deandre Ayton had 13 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers, who overcame a fourth-quarter deficit and 21 turnovers by scoring 14 straight points down the stretch and finishing on a 24-7 run. Their late surge was led by Doncic and by Austin Reaves, who missed his first eight shots of the night before ending up with 15 points.

Zion Williamson scored 24 points in his return from a one-game absence after hurting his ankle last Saturday for the Pelicans, who lost for only the second time in six games on the fourth outing of their six-game West Coast trip. Trey Murphy III scored 21 points and Saddiq Bey had 18.

New Orleans jumped to an eight-point lead with just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, but the Lakers finally awoke and held the Pelicans scoreless over the next 4:18.

Read
12:13 AM CST

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, center, gestures after scoring as Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia, left, and guard Luke Kennard watch during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, center, gestures after scoring as Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia, left, and guard Luke Kennard watch during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LOAD MORE