19 Mar

2025 NBA picks, March 11 best bets from proven model

The Cleveland Cavaliers look to win their 15th game in a row when they battle the Brooklyn Nets in an Eastern Conference matchup on Tuesday night. Brooklyn is coming off a 111-108 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, while Cleveland defeated Milwaukee 112-100 on Sunday. The Nets (22-42), who have lost seven of their last eight, are 12-21 on the road this season. The Cavaliers (54-10), who are the top seed in the conference, are 29-4 on their home court. Donovan Mitchell (groin) and De’Andre Hunter (illness) are questionable for Cleveland, while D’Angelo Russell (ankle) is out for Brooklyn.

Tipoff from Rocket Arena in Cleveland is set for 7 p.m. ET. Cleveland has won all three meetings this season, including a 110-97 win in their last meeting on Feb. 20. The Cavaliers are 16.5-point favorites in the latest Cavaliers vs. Nets odds from SportsLine consensus, after the line was as high as Cavs -18.5. The over/under for total points scored is 227.5. The Cavs are at -1449 on the money line (risk $1,449 to win $100), while the Nets are at +837 (risk $100 to win $837). Before making any Nets vs. Cavaliers picks, make sure to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 21 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 148-107 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning nearly $4,000. It’s also an outstanding 19-10 (65%) on top-rated spread picks this season. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

Now, the model has simulated Nets vs. Cavaliers 10,000 times and just revealed its coveted NBA picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and NBA betting lines for Cavs vs. Nets:

Nets vs. Cavaliers spread: Cleveland -16.5
Nets vs. Cavaliers over/under: 227.5 points
Nets vs. Cavaliers money line: Cleveland -1449, Brooklyn +837
BKN: The Nets are 4-6 against the spread in their last 10 games
CLE: The Cavaliers have hit the money line in 55 of their last 68 games (+36.10 units)
Nets vs. Cavaliers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Nets vs. Cavaliers streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
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Why the Cavaliers can cover
Shooting guard Mitchell (questionable) has scored in double figures in nine consecutive games, including a 15-point, six-assist and five-rebound effort in Sunday’s win over the Bucks. He had 28 points with seven rebounds and five assists in a 139-117 win at Chicago on March 4. In 60 games, all starts, he is averaging 24.2 points, 4.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 31.3 minutes. He is connecting on 45.1% of his field goals, including 38.4% of his 3-pointers, and 81.9% of his free throws.

Veteran point guard Darius Garland is also a big part of the Cleveland offense. In 60 games, all starts, he is averaging 20.9 points, 6.7 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 30.3 minutes. He scored 20 points and dished out two assists in a 118-117 win at Charlotte on Friday. He registered a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists in a 112-107 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday. See which team to back at SportsLine.

Why the Nets can cover
Shooting guard Cam Thomas (hamstring) did not play on Monday against the Lakers but is not listed on Tuesday’s injury report. Thomas leads the Nets with 23.8 points and excels at getting to the charity stripe, averaging 6.2 free throw attempts per night and knocking them down at an 88% clip. He’s produced 23-plus points and six-plus assists in two of his last three outings, and he had 22 points with six dimes in his lone previous matchup versus Cleveland this season.

Forward Ziaire Williams has also stepped up his play of late due to the multiple injuries suffered by a number of Brooklyn players. In Saturday’s loss to Charlotte, he poured in 19 points, while adding three rebounds and two blocks. He registered a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds in a 129-121 loss to Oklahoma City on Feb. 26. In 24.1 minutes per game, he is averaging 9.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and one steal. See which team to back at SportsLine.

How to make Nets vs. Cavaliers picks
SportsLine’s model has simulated Cavaliers vs. Nets and is leaning Under the total, projecting 223 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits over 50% of the time. You can head to SportsLine to see the model’s NBA picks.

So who wins Nets vs. Cavaliers on Tuesday, and which side of the spread hits in over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Nets vs. Cavaliers spread to back, all from the model that has returned well over $10,000 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.

Where to bet on NBA games
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19 Mar

2025 NBA picks, March 11 best bets from proven model

We’ve got another exciting Eastern Conference contest on Tuesday’s NBA schedule as the Detroit Pistons will host the Washington Wizards. Detroit is 36-29 overall and 17-14 at home, while Washington is 13-50 overall and 6-24 on the road. The Pistons defeated the Wizards, 124-104, in Washington on Nov. 17 in their only meeting this season after the two teams split their four matchups last year. Bilal Coulibaly (hip) is out for Washington, while Detroit has no new injuries to report.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The Pistons are favored by 15 points in the latest Wizards vs. Pistons odds, according to the SportsLine consensus. Detroit is at -1031 on the money line (risk $1,031 to win $100), with Washington at +668 (risk $100 to win $668). The over/under is 235.5 points, an increase from opening at 232. Before entering any Pistons vs. Wizards picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions from the model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 21 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 148-107 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning nearly $4,000. It’s also an outstanding 19-10 (65%) on top-rated spread picks this season. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

The model has set its sights on Detroit vs. Washington. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for Wizards vs. Pistons:

Pistons vs. Wizards spread: Pistons -14.5
Pistons vs. Wizards over/under: 235.5 points
Pistons vs. Wizards money line: Pistons -1010, Wizards +653
WAS: The Under has hit in six of the last nine Wizards games
DET: The Pistons are 9-3 against the spread (ATS) over their last 12 games
Pistons vs. Wizards picks: See picks at SportsLine
Pistons vs. Wizards streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
Why the Wizards can cover
The Wizards had their two-game winning streak snapped in a 119-104 loss to the Raptors on Monday, but even with the loss, they are 4-3 over their last seven games, and they hadn’t had four victories over a seven-game span until this stretch. Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is averaging 14.7 points and 7.3 rebounds over his last five games as he’s been successful in a larger role lately. Washington is 3-2 in five games Sarr has played this month.

Jordan Poole is averaging 21.2 ppg and recently had 34 points in a 118-117 win over Toronto on Saturday. The 25-year-old guard has proven the ability to carry an offense when he’s shooting well and if he’s knocking down shots from deep early, Washington can compete with Detroit, who ranks 24th in 3-point defense with opposing teams making 36.8% of their triples. See which team to pick here.

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Why the Pistons can cover
The Pistons snapped their two-game losing streak with a 119-112 victory over the Trail Blazers on Sunday. Cade Cunningham had 28 points as he’s scored at least 28 points in four straight games to raise his season average to 25.6 ppg, which ranks 10th in the league. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft is coming off his first All-Star Game appearance as he’s led the Pistons to a substantial turnaround after going 14-68 last year and winning 20 games or fewer in four of the previous five seasons.

The Pistons are 3-1 ATS when favored by at least nine points this season. Three of Detroit’s last four victories have come by at least 20 points as they continue to elevate and prove themselves as a contender in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards have the worst scoring defense (120.5 ppg allowed), including the 28th-ranked fast-break defense while the Pistons average the second-most fast break points (19.4 ppg) in the league this season. See which team to pick here.

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How to make Pistons vs. Wizards picks
The model has simulated Wizards vs. Pistons 10,000 times and the results are in. The model is leaning Under, projecting 221 combined points, and it also says one side of the spread hits over 50% of the time. You can only see the pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Pistons vs. Wizards, and which side of the spread hits in over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Wizards vs. Pistons spread you need to jump on, all from the model that is on a 148-107 roll on top-rated NBA picks since last season, and find out.

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19 Mar

Giannis Antetokounmpo key for Bucks-Pacers SGP

In Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 12th NBA season, he’s still putting up outrageous numbers. He’s only one of two players (Nikola Jokic) to be in the top 10 in scoring and rebounding thanks to his 30.9 points (second in NBA) and 12.0 rebounds (sixth in NBA) per game. Earlier this month, he became the sixth-youngest player ever and 52nd overall to reach 20,000 career points.

Now, Antetokounmpo has to help the Milwaukee Bucks turn their season around since they enter Tuesday’s clash against the Indiana Pacers at 7:30 p.m. ET on a two-game losing streak. Milwaukee is just one game ahead of Indiana and the Detroit Pistons for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference standings. The Bucks are 2-0 against the Pacers so far this season, with Antetokounmpo averaging 33.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and 9.0 assists in those meetings.

In this latest matchup between these two division foes, Milwaukee is listed as 2.5-point favorites in the Bucks vs. Pacers odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. The Bucks are -142 (risk $142 to win $100) on the money line, while the Pacers are +120 (risk $100 to win $120) underdogs.

If you want to bet on player props, SportsLine’s model has you covered. It simulates every game 10,000 times and continuously refreshes the most recent available data, which can help you spot the biggest discrepancies in the betting lines.

Let’s check out the SportLine model’s three highest-rated player prop recommendations for Bucks vs. Pacers and see what the payout would be if they were put into a same-game parlay.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 12.5 rebounds (-128 at FanDuel): 4 stars
Antetokounmpo is averaging 12.0 rebounds per game this season, his highest mark since the 2019-20 season. That number has fallen to 11.2 across five March games, where he has gone Under his rebounding prop in four of those five contests. In both meetings against the Pacers this season, he hasn’t exceeded 12.5 either time. The SportsLine model has him projected for 10.4 boards Tuesday.

Damian Lillard Under 4.5 rebounds (+100 at FanDuel): 3.5 stars
Lillard hasn’t fared well on this prop when the Bucks have been on the road playing against teams with a winning record and bottom-third defense, failing to clear it in four of the last five instances. His forecast for rebounds is 4.0, a worthy roll of the dice considering his Under is priced at +100 at FanDuel.

Kyle Kuzma Under 6.5 rebounds (+106 at FanDuel): 3.5 stars
A third Under for a Bucks rebounding prop? In the SportsLine model we trust! Kuzma has finished with three Unders for rebounds in his last five games against teams with winning records. The model likes that trend to continue here, as he’s projected for 6.1 boards.

Same-Game Parlay odds: +641

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08 Oct

Are Warriors a realistic trade destination for Bulls star?

Could the Chicago Bulls have finally found a trading partner interested in their star guard?

Chicago has failed to move Zach LaVine for months, which has disabled the Bulls from making further deals to power a rebuild.

As long as LaVine is still on Chicago’s books, the team is stuck in NBA purgatory until 2027.

The Bulls should still be actively seeking out a trade for LaVine. Sending the two-time All-Star to the Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, and Jonathan Kuminga works financially, but would Golden State bite?

LaVine would provide the Warriors with a scoring punch that none of Wiggins, Payton, and Kuminga do, not to mention one that could be useful in the wake of Klay Thompson’s departure.

Kuminga, whose contract expires after this season, will likely demand a beefy new contract that Golden State (and most teams) might not be crazy about paying. It therefore behooves the Warriors to listen to offers for Kuminga.

There’s also the Andrew Wiggins question for Golden State. It should be said that while Wiggins isn’t the scoring talent that LaVine is, he’s still a career 18.5 points per game scorer who has won a title with the Warriors. Would Golden State be upgrading to a huge extent by swapping Wiggins’s production for LaVine’s?

Hoops Habits’ Treyvon Hastings isn’t very keen on the LaVine idea, from the Warriors’ perspective.

“While Golden State could certainly match salary to get LaVine, they would be forced to trade one of Andrew Wiggins or Draymond to feasibly get a deal done,” Hastings said.

“Even then, the Warriors would have to trade three players for one, significantly diminishing their depth, which made them so dominant for so long. A Lakers or Clippers style ‘Big 3’ has proven to be unsuccessful for those franchises, and there’s no reason to believe it would work for Golden State as currently constructed.”

“Moving Wiggins or Green for a defensive liability and constantly injured player could harm Golden State’s future success. With that in mind, a trade for LaVine makes little sense for the Warriors, and acquiring the former All-Star would be a sign of ‘damage control’ from losing Thompson in free agency. Although LaVine is a ‘last hope’ for the Warriors to acquire a high-level player, he’s not their only option.”

The Bulls are hoping that Golden State’s front office doesn’t align with the kind of thinking provided here by Hastings. Chicago would love nothing more than to offload LaVine’s contract ($138M remaining) for a more manageable remaining three years (Wiggins, $54.5M) and two expirings in Payton and Kuminga.

The 22-year-old Kuminga would even have a chance of sticking in Chicago and receiving a big payday next summer from the Bulls.

08 Oct

What would it take for Lakers to trade for Zach LaVine?

The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to balance past, present, and future.

A franchise that’s been home to some of the most recognizable names in basketball history, their jerseys are as gold as their standard.

Even now, the Lakers employ future Hall of Famers. LeBron James, who’s entering his 22nd season, has the most decorated NBA career on record. Anthony Davis, the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, is a nine-time All-Star.

However, there’s a reasonable amount of concern about whether Los Angeles has what it takes to win another title before James retires.

The Lakers could presumably keep their championship window open after James hangs it up, acquiring another star to play alongside Davis. Yet, their best chance of raising their 18th banner is by maximizing the remaining years of James’s unforgettable career.

This has helped lead to questions about whether LA should add another star, like Chicago Bulls wing Zach LaVine.

Among the Lakers’ potential targets, LaVine arguably has the best combination of availability and talent. There are concerns with LaVine —injury, salary, and on-court —but there’s no denying he’s a high-quality scorer.

What exactly would it take for the Lakers to pull the trigger on a LaVine deal though?

For starters, there would have to be a definitive need. As a result, Los Angeles could wait until D’Angelo Russell or Austin Reaves shows that they’re not ready to be the third option.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick is determined to get the best out of both Russell and Reaves. Nonetheless, Russell’s career history suggests that he’s unreliable while Reaves’s underscores his inexperience.

The advantage LaVine has over both of them is proof that he can consistently score at a high volume and efficiently. If the Lakers believe they have enough playmaking and defense around him, and with James and Davis they may, he can be a valuable addition.

LaVine’s price tag is also worth consideration. The 29-year-old will make $138 million over the next three seasons, which certainly stands out. Yet, when the Bulls were deep in the weeds this offseason, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported that they were willing to attach a first-round pick to LaVine to move him. Not only does this soften the perception of his salary but it prevents LA from digging into their desolate draft cupboard.

In theory, the Lakers could swap Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt for LaVine, Torrey Craig, and a first-round pick. With the roster spot that opens up, free agents like Marcus Morris could become targets.

08 Oct

Clippers reach extension agreement valuable two-way asset in prime of career

Role players may not always garner the respect they deserve from the public, but their contributions are always needed.

Judging by the Los Angeles Clippers’ recent decision to offer a contract extension to an important role player, they feel the same way.

“We place tremendous value on the competitiveness, consistency, durability and hard work that T (Terance) Mann continues to demonstrate year after year,” Clippers’ president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said Wednesday. “Since we drafted him in 2019, T Mann has turned himself into the ultimate glue guy, a two-way player who takes tough assignments and hits big shots. When we think about the qualities that make a young player a Clipper, we often wind up with a description of T Mann, and we’re thrilled he will remain a vital part of us.”

Last season, Mann averaged 8.8 points per game on 51.5% shooting from the field and 34.8% shooting from three.

The Clippers bowed out in the opening round of the playoffs, but Mann had a solid showing in the postseason, notching 9.3 points per contest while connecting on 41.3% of his field goals and 45.5% of his long-range jumpers. He was also responsible for keeping Luka Doncic in check efficiency-wise during the Clippers’ first-round matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Florida State product was selected No. 48 overall by the Clippers in the 2019 draft. During his second season in Los Angeles, Mann made a statement in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals, pouring in 39 points on 71.4% shooting from the field and 70% shooting from deep. That incredible performance propelled the Clippers to a 131-119 series-clinching victory over the Utah Jazz.

Offensively, Mann is helpful as an off-ball cutter who can make stress-free decisions in the paint. For instance, If James Harden beats his initial defender off the dribble and causes the defense to collapse, Mann will bolt into the lane and prepare to finish with either hand at the rim.

He also isn’t afraid to step up and knock down open triples after several ball reversals on the perimeter. Defensively, Mann will match up against any opponent and make them work for every basket. Essentially, he isn’t a defender that teams can expose regularly.

With the departure of Paul George in July, it’s reasonable to assume Mann’s role will increase with the Clippers this season.

08 Oct

Clippers guard, former first-round pick grateful for second chance in NBA

Second chances aren’t guaranteed in the NBA. When players get in trouble off the court and receive the appropriate punishment, they may never step on an NBA court again.

A Los Angeles Clippers guard was fortunate enough to return to the big leagues after a necessary one-year absence, and he’s refusing to take the opportunity for granted.

“I got to learn myself, experience some things,” Kevin Porter Jr. told ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk on Monday.

“And I feel like this is the best version of myself, so it’s been good. I can’t say everything, but just my upbringing, the triggers and things and with experiences. The meaning of the experience and learning from it. This is the, if not No. 1, top two best jobs you can ask for as an athlete, as a person. So I’ve seen that get taken away, and then it just puts you in a place with what you want to do for the rest of your life. So I’m very grateful to be back, and I’m going to do everything I can and stay as long as I want.”

Porter signed with the Clippers in July after logging zero minutes of NBA action a year ago. He was a member of the Houston Rockets before the start of the 2023-24 season, but a domestic violence charge quickly changed that status.

The Rockets traded the former first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder in October, and the Thunder didn’t hesitate to waive him shortly after.

In January, Porter pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and a harassment violation to avoid spending time behind bars. By then, though, Porter had missed the first three months of the season and was inching closer to sitting out a full year of professional basketball. Porter evaded that nightmare by signing with the Greek club PAOK in April.

During his most recent NBA season, Porter averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds per contest. The 6-foot-4 guard is a smooth ball handler who understands the importance of going with the flow offensively. If his initial move doesn’t give him his preferred outcome, he’ll go off schedule and adapt to his opponent’s defensive game plan. He’s also an underrated passer who can dish out dimes while moving at rapid speeds.

Everyone may not agree with the Clippers’ decision to add Porter to their roster during free agency, but he’s determined to prove he’s a changed individual during the 2024-25 season.

08 Oct

Former No. 1 overall pick, Trail Blazers center makes shocking NBA confession

Watching other players succeed can cause extreme envy. It may not always be warranted, but it’s ordinary in the NBA.

While a former No. 1 overall pick is eight years removed from the NBA, he can still recall the moment that almost caused him to lose his composure.

“The year I retired was the year that Timofey Mozgov — no disrespect — got that 50 mil [contract with the Los Angeles Lakers], and I wanted to kill everybody in the (expletive) world,” Greg Ogden said Tuesday on the OGs podcast. “I hated life, I was depressed. If they threw him 50 mil, I’m like, ‘All I need to do is be on the team. That’s 20 (million) easy.”

Oden, who retired from the NBA in 2016, is referencing the four-year, $64 million deal Mozgov inked with the Lakers three months after he called it quits. Oden made over $20 million during his playing days, but his career was a massive disappointment.

The Portland Trail Blazers selected Oden No. 1 overall in the 2007 draft. Unfortunately, Oden required surgery on his right knee in September and missed the 2007-08 season. Oden made his NBA debut for the Trail Blazers on Oct. 28, 2008, but only recorded 13 minutes of action due to a foot injury he suffered early in the contest.

Despite suffering a knee injury later that year, Oden had a relatively healthy season, appearing in 61 of Portland’s 82 regular season games. Regarding his production, Oden averaged 8.9 points, seven rebounds, and 1.1 blocks for the year.

However, 21 games into the following season, Oden experienced the third knee injury of his young career and was forced to watch the Trail Blazers’ final 61 contests from the bench.

Additional setbacks caused Oden to sit out the next 230 regular season games, which prompted Portland to waive the 7-foot big man in 2012. Oden signed a one-year deal with the Miami Heat shortly after, but he only appeared in 23 contests before continuing his professional career in China.

Oden wasn’t the most polished big man when he was healthy, but he possessed an endless motor and a relentless approach to rebounding.

Oden’s recent comments helped NBA fans comprehend his mindset in 2016. Oden knew he could achieve greatness at the highest level of basketball, but sadly, his unreliable body prevented him from reaching his full potential.

08 Oct

How long is Kristaps Porzingis out? Foot injury timeline, return date, latest updates for Celtics star

The Celtics will begin their title defense without a key member from last year’s historic run.

Kristaps Porzingis is still a member of Boston’s roster but will begin the 2024-25 season on the inactive list as he recovers from a rare leg injury suffered during the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Porzingis played through the pain in the championship-clinching Game 5 but the injury required surgery. The 29-year-old proved to be one of the missing pieces to the Celtics’ championship puzzle as the franchise won its 18th NBA title in Porzingis’ first season in Beantown.

What is Porzingis’ injury and how much time will he miss this season? Here is the latest on the Celtics big man’s status.

MORE: NBA’s top 30 players, ranked: Where stars land ahead of 2024-25 season

What is Kristaps Porzingis’ injury?
Porzingis’ injury is a torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg. The medial retinaculum stabilizes the tibialis tendon, which is the most superficial structure on the medial side of the ankle.

Here is an explanation of the injury from medical expert Dr. Michael S. George of the KSF Orthopaedic Center in Houston: “The injury to the medial retinaculum allowed the tendon to be unstable and dislocate to the side of the medial malleolus. Dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon causes medial-sided pain and weakness.”

MORE: Expert medical analysis on the nature of Kristaps Porzingis’ injury

How long will Kristaps Porzingis be out?
The Celtics announced that Porzingis underwent surgery on June 27 to repair the injury, adding that he would be expected to return in 5-6 months.

At media day, Porzingis told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne “The expectation is (to return) sometime in December,” adding that he hopes he can return sooner. A return in December would align with the 5-6 month timeline outlined in June.

In his first season with Boston, Porzingis averaged 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds over 57 regular season games. He was limited to seven playoff games but averaged 12.3 points per game, including an awe-inspiring 20-point performance off the bench in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

SN’s NBA HQ: NBA scores | Full NBA schedule

Celtics schedule 2024-25
Boston opens its five-game preseason schedule with a pair of games against Denver in Abu Dhabi. The Celtics will receive their championship rings on opening night against the Knicks and play 19 games before December.

24 Sep

Steelers place first-round pick Troy Fautanu on injured reserve with knee injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ injuries on the offensive line continue to mount. On Saturday, the Steelers placed rookie right tackle Troy Fautanu on injured reserve after the first-rounder suffered a knee injury in practice on Friday.

Fautanu is the third major injury Pittsburgh has suffered on the offensive front, as center Nate Herbig is out for the year with a torn rotator cuff, while offensive guard Isaac Seumalo has yet to play this season due to a pectoral injury. Another former first-round pick in Broderick Jones is expected to replace Fautanu on the right side.

The former Washington Husky was selected with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Fautanu won the Morris Trophy in 2023, and was a First Team All-Pac 12 player who registered the fifth-best PFF pass-blocking grade among FBS offensive tackles with an 88.2. He allowed just two sacks in 1,161 pass-blocking snaps over the past two seasons.

The other facet of this unfortunate development has to do with the quarterback situation. With a short-handed offensive line, it could reinforce the idea in Mike Tomlin’s mind that the Steelers should continue to move forward with the mobile Justin Fields as opposed to the 35-year-old Russell Wilson when he heals from his calf injury. The 2-0 Steelers play host to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.