Pistons' Isaiah Stewart to miss at least 1 week with left calf strain Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart has sustained a grade 1 left calf strain, sidelining the key reserve big man for at least four games as the East-leading Pistons aim to secure their position atop the conference standings heading into the 2026 NBA playoffs. The injury will require Stewart to undergo a re-evaluation in one week, leaving him out of action for the upcoming contests against the Wizards and Warriors, as well as the Lakers. Stewart, 24, returned to the court for the first time in seven games after a suspension for his role in a Feb. 9 altercation between the Pistons and Charlotte Hornets. In his seventh game back, he logged 20 minutes in a 126-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, contributing 10 points, 4 rebounds (3 offensive), 1 assist, and 1 block. However, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff expressed concerns about Stewart’s movement, noting that the player had been struggling with the injury for some time. “Stewart has been dealing with it,” Bickerstaff said before a 119-108 loss to the Toronto Raptors, according to Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press. “It just had been kinda getting worse. He gutted it out last game and you could see he was favoring it and he was hobbling around a little bit late in his minutes.” Despite Stewart’s absence, the Pistons have maintained strong performance, posting a 9-3 record without him. The team outscores opponents by 11.8 points per 100 possessions when Stewart is inactive, a stat that gives confidence in their ability to hold onto the No. 1 seed in the East. However, the Pistons have faced recent challenges, including five losses in their last eight games, with setbacks against the Spurs, Miami, Cleveland, and Toronto.#toronto_raptors #detroit_pistons #memphis_grizzlies #j_b_bickerstaff #isaiah_stewart
Denver Nuggets Face Toronto Raptors in Crucial Playoff Race The Denver Nuggets, currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference with just 12 games remaining, face a pivotal matchup against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. The game, set at Ball Arena in Denver, carries significant weight as both teams vie for playoff positioning. The Raptors, riding a three-game winning streak, enter the contest as a formidable opponent, while the Nuggets aim to maintain their momentum after a recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Nuggets’ struggles have been evident in recent weeks, with injuries, defensive lapses, and inconsistent coaching undermining their performance. Despite holding a top-four seed in jeopardy, the team has shown a tendency to underperform, particularly in high-stakes games. Coach Michael Malone’s approach has come under scrutiny, with fans expressing frustration over the team’s inability to close out games. The loss to Memphis, a team in the playoff hunt, has further fueled concerns about the Nuggets’ ability to secure a favorable seed. Toronto, meanwhile, has emerged as a dark horse in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors’ balanced attack, led by Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes, has made them a dangerous opponent. Their 20-13 record on the road this season underscores their competitiveness, and their recent blowout of the Chicago Bulls—139-109—demonstrates their offensive firepower. The Raptors’ ability to capitalize on turnovers and transition opportunities could pose a significant threat to the Nuggets, who have struggled with ball security. Jokic’s 3.9 turnovers per game, a career high, have been a recurring issue, and his 10 turnovers in the Memphis game highlight the team’s vulnerability. For the Nuggets, the game presents both challenges and opportunities.#denver_nuggets #toronto_raptors #ball_arena #michael_malone #brandon_ingram
Fantasy Basketball Picks, DFS, and Betting Tips for Sunday's NBA Games Sunday’s NBA schedule features a mix of high-stakes matchups and potential streaming opportunities, with several games offering favorable conditions for fantasy managers and bettors. The day kicks off with the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves at 1 p.m. ET, where the Thunder are heavy favorites at -10 points. Five of the seven games on the slate have spreads of at least 7.5 points, highlighting the disparity in team strength across the board. The Detroit Pistons face the Toronto Raptors in a matchup that could serve as a litmus test for both teams, while the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings’ game offers intriguing streaming options due to their young, depth-laden rosters. For fantasy managers, key players to target include Brice Sensabaugh of the Utah Jazz, who is expected to see significant minutes and should thrive against the Kings’ perimeter defense. Quentin Grimes of the Philadelphia 76ers is also a strong option, as he is likely to lead the team in scoring opportunities against the Trail Blazers. Precious Achiuwa of the Kings could dominate the Jazz’s undersized frontcourt, while Scoot Henderson of the Trail Blazers is a high-risk, high-reward streamer with a recent surge in production. Betting angles include Cody Williams of the Jazz, who is projected to exceed 16.5 total points and rebounds, and Scoot Henderson, who is favored to score over 13.5 points against a depleted 76ers defense. DFS players should consider Deni Avdija of the Trail Blazers, who could exploit the weak Philadelphia frontcourt, and Jalen Duren of the Pistons, who will have a size advantage against the Cavaliers.#oklahoma_city_thunder #toronto_raptors #minnesota_timberwolves #utah_jazz #detroit_pistons
Raptors 122-92 Mavericks (Mar 8, 2026) Game Recap The Toronto Raptors secured a decisive victory over the struggling Dallas Mavericks with a 122-92 win on Sunday. RJ Barrett led the way with a season-high 31 points and surpassed the 8,000-career-point milestone, becoming the eighth Canadian player to achieve the feat. Scottie Barnes added 17 points for the Raptors, who snapped a four-game losing streak against Dallas. Jakob Poeltl contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 13 points. The Raptors’ dominance was evident in their 21-4 advantage on fast-break points, capitalizing on 20 Dallas turnovers to convert them into 27 points. Daniel Gafford, who posted a season-high 21 points and 11 rebounds, shot 10 for 10 from the field, while Cooper Flagg, returning from an eight-game absence, scored 17 points and dished out six assists. The Mavericks, meanwhile, extended their losing streak to seven games and their road losing record to 7-24. Brandon Ingram and Ja’Kobe Walter each scored 11 points for Dallas, but the team struggled offensively, shooting just 5 of 30 from beyond the arc. Immanuel Quickley and Gradey Dick added 10 points apiece for Toronto, who improved to 36-27 on the season. Barrett’s milestone marked him as the youngest Canadian to reach 8,000 career points, joining active players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks, as well as former NBA MVP Steve Nash. Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, earned his first technical foul of the season after arguing a non-call during the fourth quarter. The Raptors’ performance highlighted their ability to exploit defensive lapses, particularly against a Mavericks team that failed to score on the fast break until the fourth quarter.#toronto_raptors #dallas_mavericks #rj_barrett #scottie_barnes #jakob_poeltl
