Deadspin | Raptors host Heat for a pair with both vying for optimal playoff positioning Dec 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dunks around Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images Plenty will be at stake on Tuesday when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat for the first of two straight meetings north of the border between the postseason-bound teams. Entering Monday’s action, Toronto (43-35) sits in the No. 7 spot of the crowded Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are just a half-game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, a game ahead of the Orlando Magic and two games in front of the No. 10 Heat (41-37). After a three-year stretch of mediocrity that saw the franchise miss the playoffs each time, head coach Darko Rajakovic’s team has its most wins since the 2021-22 season and is in line to bring postseason basketball back to Canada. As it stands now, Toronto would host Charlotte in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game, with the winner facing the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round. With four games remaining, though, the Raptors can find themselves as low as the 10th spot. The Raptors enter this game as losers in three of their last four, including a 115-101 road loss to Boston on Sunday. A bright spot for Rajakovic’s group has been second-year guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Inserted into the starting lineup the last six games, Walter is averaging 10.5 points across that stretch, drilling four 3-pointers in the setback against the Celtics. Ahead of the Raptors’ most pivotal stretch of the year, Walter has gained the trust from his head coach. “I love it. Ja’Kobe is a two-way player that does a lot for us,” Rajakovic said. “These opportunities that he’s had to start are showing us a lot of what he’s capable of and all the work he’s been putting in. Knocking down those shots for a young player, it’s awesome to see him doing so good in those situations.” Walter averages 7.3 points on a 40.2% 3-point shooting clip. Brandon Ingram’s 21.3 ppg lead the Raptors, followed by RJ Barrett’s 19.1 and Scottie Barnes’ 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest. Miami hopes it’s beginning to regain its form after a woeful end to March. The Heat dropped seven of eight games, before winning two of their last three. Miami picked up a much-needed 152-136 win over the woeful Washington Wizards on Saturday. “We had two really good days of practice coming off the last disappointing game (a 147-129 loss to Boston),” Head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s what you want out of a group, particularly with everything we’ve gone through these last 10 games. We’re just focusing on solutions and working to get better.” Since Miami’s tailspin began on March 14, defense has been at the forefront of its issues. The Heat have allowed 129.9 points per game across their last 11 outings. Second-year center Kel’el Ware pulled his weight against Washington, posting seven blocks to go along with 24 points and 19 rebounds. After Ware’s dominant performance, Spoelstra challenged Ware to continue his production against Toronto. “He wants more for me; he wants better for me,” Ware said of Spoelstra. “He just wants to see me perform at a higher level.” Ware averages 11.1 points and 9.1 boards per game. Norman Powell (22.1 ppg) has missed the last four games with an illness, while Tyler Herro (21.4 ppg) looks to return after missing Saturday due to personal reasons. Both are listed as probable. Bam Adebayo has compiled 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raptors #host #Heat #pair #vying #optimal #playoff #positioning

Deadspin | Raptors host Heat for a pair with both vying for optimal playoff positioning
Deadspin | Raptors host Heat for a pair with both vying for optimal playoff positioning Dec 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dunks around Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images Plenty will be at stake on Tuesday when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat for the first of two straight meetings north of the border between the postseason-bound teams. Entering Monday’s action, Toronto (43-35) sits in the No. 7 spot of the crowded Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are just a half-game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, a game ahead of the Orlando Magic and two games in front of the No. 10 Heat (41-37). After a three-year stretch of mediocrity that saw the franchise miss the playoffs each time, head coach Darko Rajakovic’s team has its most wins since the 2021-22 season and is in line to bring postseason basketball back to Canada. As it stands now, Toronto would host Charlotte in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game, with the winner facing the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round. With four games remaining, though, the Raptors can find themselves as low as the 10th spot. The Raptors enter this game as losers in three of their last four, including a 115-101 road loss to Boston on Sunday. A bright spot for Rajakovic’s group has been second-year guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Inserted into the starting lineup the last six games, Walter is averaging 10.5 points across that stretch, drilling four 3-pointers in the setback against the Celtics. Ahead of the Raptors’ most pivotal stretch of the year, Walter has gained the trust from his head coach. “I love it. Ja’Kobe is a two-way player that does a lot for us,” Rajakovic said. “These opportunities that he’s had to start are showing us a lot of what he’s capable of and all the work he’s been putting in. Knocking down those shots for a young player, it’s awesome to see him doing so good in those situations.” Walter averages 7.3 points on a 40.2% 3-point shooting clip. Brandon Ingram’s 21.3 ppg lead the Raptors, followed by RJ Barrett’s 19.1 and Scottie Barnes’ 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest. Miami hopes it’s beginning to regain its form after a woeful end to March. The Heat dropped seven of eight games, before winning two of their last three. Miami picked up a much-needed 152-136 win over the woeful Washington Wizards on Saturday. “We had two really good days of practice coming off the last disappointing game (a 147-129 loss to Boston),” Head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s what you want out of a group, particularly with everything we’ve gone through these last 10 games. We’re just focusing on solutions and working to get better.” Since Miami’s tailspin began on March 14, defense has been at the forefront of its issues. The Heat have allowed 129.9 points per game across their last 11 outings. Second-year center Kel’el Ware pulled his weight against Washington, posting seven blocks to go along with 24 points and 19 rebounds. After Ware’s dominant performance, Spoelstra challenged Ware to continue his production against Toronto. “He wants more for me; he wants better for me,” Ware said of Spoelstra. “He just wants to see me perform at a higher level.” Ware averages 11.1 points and 9.1 boards per game. Norman Powell (22.1 ppg) has missed the last four games with an illness, while Tyler Herro (21.4 ppg) looks to return after missing Saturday due to personal reasons. Both are listed as probable. Bam Adebayo has compiled 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raptors #host #Heat #pair #vying #optimal #playoff #positioningDec 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dunks around Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Plenty will be at stake on Tuesday when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat for the first of two straight meetings north of the border between the postseason-bound teams.

Entering Monday’s action, Toronto (43-35) sits in the No. 7 spot of the crowded Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are just a half-game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, a game ahead of the Orlando Magic and two games in front of the No. 10 Heat (41-37).

After a three-year stretch of mediocrity that saw the franchise miss the playoffs each time, head coach Darko Rajakovic’s team has its most wins since the 2021-22 season and is in line to bring postseason basketball back to Canada.

As it stands now, Toronto would host Charlotte in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game, with the winner facing the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round. With four games remaining, though, the Raptors can find themselves as low as the 10th spot.

The Raptors enter this game as losers in three of their last four, including a 115-101 road loss to Boston on Sunday. A bright spot for Rajakovic’s group has been second-year guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Inserted into the starting lineup the last six games, Walter is averaging 10.5 points across that stretch, drilling four 3-pointers in the setback against the Celtics.

Ahead of the Raptors’ most pivotal stretch of the year, Walter has gained the trust from his head coach.

“I love it. Ja’Kobe is a two-way player that does a lot for us,” Rajakovic said. “These opportunities that he’s had to start are showing us a lot of what he’s capable of and all the work he’s been putting in. Knocking down those shots for a young player, it’s awesome to see him doing so good in those situations.”


Walter averages 7.3 points on a 40.2% 3-point shooting clip. Brandon Ingram’s 21.3 ppg lead the Raptors, followed by RJ Barrett’s 19.1 and Scottie Barnes’ 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest.

Miami hopes it’s beginning to regain its form after a woeful end to March. The Heat dropped seven of eight games, before winning two of their last three. Miami picked up a much-needed 152-136 win over the woeful Washington Wizards on Saturday.

“We had two really good days of practice coming off the last disappointing game (a 147-129 loss to Boston),” Head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s what you want out of a group, particularly with everything we’ve gone through these last 10 games. We’re just focusing on solutions and working to get better.”

Since Miami’s tailspin began on March 14, defense has been at the forefront of its issues. The Heat have allowed 129.9 points per game across their last 11 outings.

Second-year center Kel’el Ware pulled his weight against Washington, posting seven blocks to go along with 24 points and 19 rebounds. After Ware’s dominant performance, Spoelstra challenged Ware to continue his production against Toronto.

“He wants more for me; he wants better for me,” Ware said of Spoelstra. “He just wants to see me perform at a higher level.”

Ware averages 11.1 points and 9.1 boards per game. Norman Powell (22.1 ppg) has missed the last four games with an illness, while Tyler Herro (21.4 ppg) looks to return after missing Saturday due to personal reasons. Both are listed as probable.

Bam Adebayo has compiled 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Raptors #host #Heat #pair #vying #optimal #playoff #positioning

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Dec 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dunks around Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Plenty will be at stake on Tuesday when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat for the first of two straight meetings north of the border between the postseason-bound teams.

Entering Monday’s action, Toronto (43-35) sits in the No. 7 spot of the crowded Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are just a half-game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, a game ahead of the Orlando Magic and two games in front of the No. 10 Heat (41-37).

After a three-year stretch of mediocrity that saw the franchise miss the playoffs each time, head coach Darko Rajakovic’s team has its most wins since the 2021-22 season and is in line to bring postseason basketball back to Canada.

As it stands now, Toronto would host Charlotte in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game, with the winner facing the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round. With four games remaining, though, the Raptors can find themselves as low as the 10th spot.

The Raptors enter this game as losers in three of their last four, including a 115-101 road loss to Boston on Sunday. A bright spot for Rajakovic’s group has been second-year guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Inserted into the starting lineup the last six games, Walter is averaging 10.5 points across that stretch, drilling four 3-pointers in the setback against the Celtics.

Ahead of the Raptors’ most pivotal stretch of the year, Walter has gained the trust from his head coach.

“I love it. Ja’Kobe is a two-way player that does a lot for us,” Rajakovic said. “These opportunities that he’s had to start are showing us a lot of what he’s capable of and all the work he’s been putting in. Knocking down those shots for a young player, it’s awesome to see him doing so good in those situations.”

Walter averages 7.3 points on a 40.2% 3-point shooting clip. Brandon Ingram’s 21.3 ppg lead the Raptors, followed by RJ Barrett’s 19.1 and Scottie Barnes’ 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest.

Miami hopes it’s beginning to regain its form after a woeful end to March. The Heat dropped seven of eight games, before winning two of their last three. Miami picked up a much-needed 152-136 win over the woeful Washington Wizards on Saturday.

“We had two really good days of practice coming off the last disappointing game (a 147-129 loss to Boston),” Head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s what you want out of a group, particularly with everything we’ve gone through these last 10 games. We’re just focusing on solutions and working to get better.”

Since Miami’s tailspin began on March 14, defense has been at the forefront of its issues. The Heat have allowed 129.9 points per game across their last 11 outings.

Second-year center Kel’el Ware pulled his weight against Washington, posting seven blocks to go along with 24 points and 19 rebounds. After Ware’s dominant performance, Spoelstra challenged Ware to continue his production against Toronto.

“He wants more for me; he wants better for me,” Ware said of Spoelstra. “He just wants to see me perform at a higher level.”

Ware averages 11.1 points and 9.1 boards per game. Norman Powell (22.1 ppg) has missed the last four games with an illness, while Tyler Herro (21.4 ppg) looks to return after missing Saturday due to personal reasons. Both are listed as probable.

Bam Adebayo has compiled 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Celtics looking to integrate Nikola Vucevic against surging Hornets Apr 5, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) shoots a jump shot against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images Although this is the final week of the NBA regular season, the Boston Celtics still have at least one significant thing to iron out entering Tuesday’s game against the visiting Charlotte Hornets: making sure Nikola Vucevic fits comfortably into the rotation before the playoffs begin. Vucevic returned to the court for Sunday’s 115-101 victory over Toronto after missing four weeks with a broken finger. The injury occurred in a March 6 game against Dallas, the same night Jayson Tatum returned from his Achilles injury. Vucevic collected four points and four rebounds in 13 minutes against Toronto, but he also picked up four fouls. “He was good,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “I mean, it was only 13 minutes. I thought offensively he made the right reads, missed a couple. Second half, we kind of went to — it was almost, we were looking at some different matchup stuff, so we didn’t get him in as much as we wanted to in the second half. But he was fine, I thought. He’s just going to continue to get acclimated.” Vucevic said regaining chemistry is the hardest part about returning after missing significant time with an injury. “That just has to come from us playing and practicing together, which is good I get at least these five games in before the playoffs then we’ll have that week between that will help,” he said. “But I think as far as plays, coverages, kind of knowing what to do out there in different situations, that was pretty good for me. I did a lot of it throughout my rehab. A lot of my workouts were fully left-handed, but I was still learning plays like that. “Just continue to play alongside all of the guys,” he continued. “Obviously me and JT didn’t get a lot of time together, but I think we’re both high-level players, both smart players, and I think we’ll be able to figure it out pretty quick. Just even being around the guys, the time I did play, I think it’s helped a lot. Obviously, it would have been great to have that full month that I missed, but it is what it is. We know we’ll try to make the best out of it in the next couple games. And then also I think that week leading up to the playoffs is going to help. We’ll probably have a couple practices which will help as well.” The Celtics (53-25) will be looking to extend their winning streak to four games. Charlotte (43-36) has won four in a row since it dropped a 114-99 decision to Boston at home on March 29. The Hornets are 9-2 in their last 11 games, and are trying to avoid the play-in tournament by finishing sixth or higher in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte will participate in the postseason for the first time since 2015-16, when the Hornets lost to Miami in the first round. The Hornets beat the Celtics 118-89 when the teams met in Boston on March 4. Charlotte’s Miles Bridges said dealing with Boston’s physicality will be paramount Tuesday night. “We came into their place and beat them,” he said. “Then they came into our place and beat us, so we want to return the favor and start getting ready for the playoffs.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Celtics #integrate #Nikola #Vucevic #surging #HornetsApr 5, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) shoots a jump shot against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Although this is the final week of the NBA regular season, the Boston Celtics still have at least one significant thing to iron out entering Tuesday’s game against the visiting Charlotte Hornets: making sure Nikola Vucevic fits comfortably into the rotation before the playoffs begin.

Vucevic returned to the court for Sunday’s 115-101 victory over Toronto after missing four weeks with a broken finger. The injury occurred in a March 6 game against Dallas, the same night Jayson Tatum returned from his Achilles injury.

Vucevic collected four points and four rebounds in 13 minutes against Toronto, but he also picked up four fouls.

“He was good,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “I mean, it was only 13 minutes. I thought offensively he made the right reads, missed a couple. Second half, we kind of went to — it was almost, we were looking at some different matchup stuff, so we didn’t get him in as much as we wanted to in the second half. But he was fine, I thought. He’s just going to continue to get acclimated.”

Vucevic said regaining chemistry is the hardest part about returning after missing significant time with an injury.

“That just has to come from us playing and practicing together, which is good I get at least these five games in before the playoffs then we’ll have that week between that will help,” he said. “But I think as far as plays, coverages, kind of knowing what to do out there in different situations, that was pretty good for me. I did a lot of it throughout my rehab. A lot of my workouts were fully left-handed, but I was still learning plays like that.


“Just continue to play alongside all of the guys,” he continued. “Obviously me and JT didn’t get a lot of time together, but I think we’re both high-level players, both smart players, and I think we’ll be able to figure it out pretty quick. Just even being around the guys, the time I did play, I think it’s helped a lot. Obviously, it would have been great to have that full month that I missed, but it is what it is. We know we’ll try to make the best out of it in the next couple games. And then also I think that week leading up to the playoffs is going to help. We’ll probably have a couple practices which will help as well.”

The Celtics (53-25) will be looking to extend their winning streak to four games.

Charlotte (43-36) has won four in a row since it dropped a 114-99 decision to Boston at home on March 29. The Hornets are 9-2 in their last 11 games, and are trying to avoid the play-in tournament by finishing sixth or higher in the Eastern Conference.

Charlotte will participate in the postseason for the first time since 2015-16, when the Hornets lost to Miami in the first round.

The Hornets beat the Celtics 118-89 when the teams met in Boston on March 4. Charlotte’s Miles Bridges said dealing with Boston’s physicality will be paramount Tuesday night.

“We came into their place and beat them,” he said. “Then they came into our place and beat us, so we want to return the favor and start getting ready for the playoffs.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Celtics #integrate #Nikola #Vucevic #surging #Hornets">Deadspin | Celtics looking to integrate Nikola Vucevic against surging Hornets Apr 5, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) shoots a jump shot against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images Although this is the final week of the NBA regular season, the Boston Celtics still have at least one significant thing to iron out entering Tuesday’s game against the visiting Charlotte Hornets: making sure Nikola Vucevic fits comfortably into the rotation before the playoffs begin. Vucevic returned to the court for Sunday’s 115-101 victory over Toronto after missing four weeks with a broken finger. The injury occurred in a March 6 game against Dallas, the same night Jayson Tatum returned from his Achilles injury. Vucevic collected four points and four rebounds in 13 minutes against Toronto, but he also picked up four fouls. “He was good,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “I mean, it was only 13 minutes. I thought offensively he made the right reads, missed a couple. Second half, we kind of went to — it was almost, we were looking at some different matchup stuff, so we didn’t get him in as much as we wanted to in the second half. But he was fine, I thought. He’s just going to continue to get acclimated.” Vucevic said regaining chemistry is the hardest part about returning after missing significant time with an injury. “That just has to come from us playing and practicing together, which is good I get at least these five games in before the playoffs then we’ll have that week between that will help,” he said. “But I think as far as plays, coverages, kind of knowing what to do out there in different situations, that was pretty good for me. I did a lot of it throughout my rehab. A lot of my workouts were fully left-handed, but I was still learning plays like that. “Just continue to play alongside all of the guys,” he continued. “Obviously me and JT didn’t get a lot of time together, but I think we’re both high-level players, both smart players, and I think we’ll be able to figure it out pretty quick. Just even being around the guys, the time I did play, I think it’s helped a lot. Obviously, it would have been great to have that full month that I missed, but it is what it is. We know we’ll try to make the best out of it in the next couple games. And then also I think that week leading up to the playoffs is going to help. We’ll probably have a couple practices which will help as well.” The Celtics (53-25) will be looking to extend their winning streak to four games. Charlotte (43-36) has won four in a row since it dropped a 114-99 decision to Boston at home on March 29. The Hornets are 9-2 in their last 11 games, and are trying to avoid the play-in tournament by finishing sixth or higher in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte will participate in the postseason for the first time since 2015-16, when the Hornets lost to Miami in the first round. The Hornets beat the Celtics 118-89 when the teams met in Boston on March 4. Charlotte’s Miles Bridges said dealing with Boston’s physicality will be paramount Tuesday night. “We came into their place and beat them,” he said. “Then they came into our place and beat us, so we want to return the favor and start getting ready for the playoffs.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Celtics #integrate #Nikola #Vucevic #surging #Hornets

Deadspin | Blues shoot for critical two-game sweep of NHL-best Avalanche Apr 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (18) faces off against Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson (11) as linesman Travis Gawryletz (67) drops the puck in the third period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Defeating the Colorado Avalanche once has proven to be a difficult assignment for most teams, but defeating them twice in a row seems akin to ascending Mount Everest. That’s the mountain that the St. Louis Blues must climb to pick up crucial points Tuesday night when they welcome the Avalanche in the second half of a home-and-home set. Robert Thomas scored with 2:50 remaining in the third period as a part of his first career hat trick to carry the Blues to a 3-2 road victory over Colorado on Sunday. “It’s taken a long time, so it feels good,” Thomas said of his goal-scoring feat. “A little bit of a relief, but yeah, it’s been a while.” Thomas got some help from his linemates en route to the hat trick, with Jimmy Snuggerud and Dylan Holloway each tallying three assists in the victory. The Blues (33-31-12, 78 points) enter Tuesday firmly entrenched in the tightly contested race for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference thanks to an extended streak of winning hockey, with a 6-1-1 record over their past eight games and 13 wins since the Olympic break (13-3-3). St. Louis’ top talents have led by example during this stretch. Thomas has picked up points in five straight games (five goals, five assists), while Holloway has a six-game point streak (four goals, seven assists). “We’re having fun as a team, we’re trying to win games, we’re doing our best to possibly do that,” Snuggerud said. “Coming into this building is a tough one, and I thought we rose to the occasion, and we need to do the same thing at home.” Despite Sunday’s defeat, the Avalanche (50-16-10, 110 points) are on the brink of winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the fourth time in franchise history, waiting on just one more victory or a Dallas Stars loss in regulation to secure the top spot in the Western Conference. Colorado most recently topped the league with 82 points during the shortened 56-game regular season back in 2020-21. Only one night after suiting up for his 1,000th consecutive contest, Brent Burns turned back the clock with a two-point performance (one goal, one assist) on Sunday, while Parker Kelly reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time in his career. “Things are just going in. I mean, like this one goes off my stick then off their guy. So, little bit of luck,” Kelly said. “I’m happy with the year I’ve been having, but yeah, we still got (six) games here, and we need to get a couple more wins here. That’s the priority.” Forward Valeri Nichushkin missed Sunday’s clash due to an upper-body injury, but he could be available for the second game of the set. “He’s probably a possibility even for Tuesday. We’ll just see how he feels the next couple days. Just that time of year,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar told the media. “You get some little bumps and bruises. Everybody has them, but sometimes there’s something a little bit more significant. I don’t want to be playing guys hurt if it can get worse. So, you got to be careful on some of them. That’s what we did today with Val.” Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon, who leads the league with 51 goals and sits third in points with 122, will be looking to get back on the scoresheet after being blanked Sunday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blues #shoot #critical #twogame #sweep #NHLbest #AvalancheApr 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (18) faces off against Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson (11) as linesman Travis Gawryletz (67) drops the puck in the third period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Defeating the Colorado Avalanche once has proven to be a difficult assignment for most teams, but defeating them twice in a row seems akin to ascending Mount Everest.

That’s the mountain that the St. Louis Blues must climb to pick up crucial points Tuesday night when they welcome the Avalanche in the second half of a home-and-home set.

Robert Thomas scored with 2:50 remaining in the third period as a part of his first career hat trick to carry the Blues to a 3-2 road victory over Colorado on Sunday.

“It’s taken a long time, so it feels good,” Thomas said of his goal-scoring feat. “A little bit of a relief, but yeah, it’s been a while.”

Thomas got some help from his linemates en route to the hat trick, with Jimmy Snuggerud and Dylan Holloway each tallying three assists in the victory.

The Blues (33-31-12, 78 points) enter Tuesday firmly entrenched in the tightly contested race for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference thanks to an extended streak of winning hockey, with a 6-1-1 record over their past eight games and 13 wins since the Olympic break (13-3-3).

St. Louis’ top talents have led by example during this stretch. Thomas has picked up points in five straight games (five goals, five assists), while Holloway has a six-game point streak (four goals, seven assists).


“We’re having fun as a team, we’re trying to win games, we’re doing our best to possibly do that,” Snuggerud said. “Coming into this building is a tough one, and I thought we rose to the occasion, and we need to do the same thing at home.”

Despite Sunday’s defeat, the Avalanche (50-16-10, 110 points) are on the brink of winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the fourth time in franchise history, waiting on just one more victory or a Dallas Stars loss in regulation to secure the top spot in the Western Conference.

Colorado most recently topped the league with 82 points during the shortened 56-game regular season back in 2020-21.

Only one night after suiting up for his 1,000th consecutive contest, Brent Burns turned back the clock with a two-point performance (one goal, one assist) on Sunday, while Parker Kelly reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time in his career.

“Things are just going in. I mean, like this one goes off my stick then off their guy. So, little bit of luck,” Kelly said. “I’m happy with the year I’ve been having, but yeah, we still got (six) games here, and we need to get a couple more wins here. That’s the priority.”

Forward Valeri Nichushkin missed Sunday’s clash due to an upper-body injury, but he could be available for the second game of the set.

“He’s probably a possibility even for Tuesday. We’ll just see how he feels the next couple days. Just that time of year,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar told the media. “You get some little bumps and bruises. Everybody has them, but sometimes there’s something a little bit more significant. I don’t want to be playing guys hurt if it can get worse. So, you got to be careful on some of them. That’s what we did today with Val.”

Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon, who leads the league with 51 goals and sits third in points with 122, will be looking to get back on the scoresheet after being blanked Sunday.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blues #shoot #critical #twogame #sweep #NHLbest #Avalanche">Deadspin | Blues shoot for critical two-game sweep of NHL-best Avalanche Apr 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (18) faces off against Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson (11) as linesman Travis Gawryletz (67) drops the puck in the third period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Defeating the Colorado Avalanche once has proven to be a difficult assignment for most teams, but defeating them twice in a row seems akin to ascending Mount Everest. That’s the mountain that the St. Louis Blues must climb to pick up crucial points Tuesday night when they welcome the Avalanche in the second half of a home-and-home set. Robert Thomas scored with 2:50 remaining in the third period as a part of his first career hat trick to carry the Blues to a 3-2 road victory over Colorado on Sunday. “It’s taken a long time, so it feels good,” Thomas said of his goal-scoring feat. “A little bit of a relief, but yeah, it’s been a while.” Thomas got some help from his linemates en route to the hat trick, with Jimmy Snuggerud and Dylan Holloway each tallying three assists in the victory. The Blues (33-31-12, 78 points) enter Tuesday firmly entrenched in the tightly contested race for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference thanks to an extended streak of winning hockey, with a 6-1-1 record over their past eight games and 13 wins since the Olympic break (13-3-3). St. Louis’ top talents have led by example during this stretch. Thomas has picked up points in five straight games (five goals, five assists), while Holloway has a six-game point streak (four goals, seven assists). “We’re having fun as a team, we’re trying to win games, we’re doing our best to possibly do that,” Snuggerud said. “Coming into this building is a tough one, and I thought we rose to the occasion, and we need to do the same thing at home.” Despite Sunday’s defeat, the Avalanche (50-16-10, 110 points) are on the brink of winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the fourth time in franchise history, waiting on just one more victory or a Dallas Stars loss in regulation to secure the top spot in the Western Conference. Colorado most recently topped the league with 82 points during the shortened 56-game regular season back in 2020-21. Only one night after suiting up for his 1,000th consecutive contest, Brent Burns turned back the clock with a two-point performance (one goal, one assist) on Sunday, while Parker Kelly reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time in his career. “Things are just going in. I mean, like this one goes off my stick then off their guy. So, little bit of luck,” Kelly said. “I’m happy with the year I’ve been having, but yeah, we still got (six) games here, and we need to get a couple more wins here. That’s the priority.” Forward Valeri Nichushkin missed Sunday’s clash due to an upper-body injury, but he could be available for the second game of the set. “He’s probably a possibility even for Tuesday. We’ll just see how he feels the next couple days. Just that time of year,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar told the media. “You get some little bumps and bruises. Everybody has them, but sometimes there’s something a little bit more significant. I don’t want to be playing guys hurt if it can get worse. So, you got to be careful on some of them. That’s what we did today with Val.” Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon, who leads the league with 51 goals and sits third in points with 122, will be looking to get back on the scoresheet after being blanked Sunday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blues #shoot #critical #twogame #sweep #NHLbest #Avalanche

Deadspin | Pelicans to host Jazz in matchup of Western Conference also-rans Feb 28, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears (0) grabs the ball away from Utah Jazz guard Elijah Harkless (16) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images Late-season losing streaks collide Tuesday when the New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Utah Jazz. While losing has more benefit than winning for teams low in the standings, the Jazz (21-58) have more to gain by losing as they sit fourth from the bottom of the overall NBA pecking order with three games remaining in the season. Utah is tied for last place in the Western Conference standings with the Sacramento Kings. The Pelicans (25-54) have been only slightly better than the Jazz, but they don’t stand much to gain in the draft-positioning race. The Atlanta Hawks own New Orleans’ first-round pick this upcoming offseason, while the Chicago Bulls are in possession of the team’s second-round pick. By trading their first-round pick last summer, the Pelicans did land Derik Queen, who has been finding his way through an up-and-down first season with 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds over 78 games (45 starts). Fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears has scored 13.4 points with 3.3 assists in 79 games (46 starts) for New Orleans. Without Trey Murphy III (ankle) and Dejounte Murray (hand) on Sunday, the Pelicans dropped a 112-108 decision to the Orlando Magic despite leading by 15 points in the third quarter and 10 points in the fourth. They were tied with 3:50 remaining. Saddiq Bey scored 32 points, Fears had 19, Yves Missi added 18 with 13 rebounds and Zion Williamson delivered 17 points in 28 minutes. Williamson played in his 62nd game, his second most in seven NBA campaigns. He has averaged 21 points with 5.7 rebounds. Tuesday will be New Orleans’ final home game of the season. “Give (the fans) one more (and) bring some joy into our building,” Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego said. “One more run on Tuesday night and bring our best. That’s what I’m looking for, for our guys to bring their best.” While the Pelicans are on an eight-game losing streak, the Jazz have lost nine consecutive games. The most recent defeat in that run was a 146-111 setback to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. It was the most points scored in a game this season by the champion Thunder. Their second-highest-scoring game was a 144-point effort on Nov. 21 against the Jazz. Utah’s Lauri Markkanen (hip), Keyonte George (hamstring) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) all are expected to miss the final handful of games. Brice Sensabaugh (14.8 points per game) scored 34 points Sunday, his third most in a game this season. He is scoring 26 points over his last 11 games, including a 41-point effort March 18 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. “Brice’s biggest improvement is getting catch-and-shoots off,” Jazz head coach Will Hardy said. “Shooting is a great weapon for him. Coming into the NBA (in 2023), he was for sure more of a scorer than a shooter. But for us now, and moving forward, if Brice gets a catch-and-shoot, we want him to shoot it.” The Jazz will close their season with a home game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday and a road game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pelicans #host #Jazz #matchup #Western #Conference #alsoransFeb 28, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears (0) grabs the ball away from Utah Jazz guard Elijah Harkless (16) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

Late-season losing streaks collide Tuesday when the New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Utah Jazz.

While losing has more benefit than winning for teams low in the standings, the Jazz (21-58) have more to gain by losing as they sit fourth from the bottom of the overall NBA pecking order with three games remaining in the season.

Utah is tied for last place in the Western Conference standings with the Sacramento Kings.

The Pelicans (25-54) have been only slightly better than the Jazz, but they don’t stand much to gain in the draft-positioning race. The Atlanta Hawks own New Orleans’ first-round pick this upcoming offseason, while the Chicago Bulls are in possession of the team’s second-round pick.

By trading their first-round pick last summer, the Pelicans did land Derik Queen, who has been finding his way through an up-and-down first season with 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds over 78 games (45 starts).

Fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears has scored 13.4 points with 3.3 assists in 79 games (46 starts) for New Orleans.

Without Trey Murphy III (ankle) and Dejounte Murray (hand) on Sunday, the Pelicans dropped a 112-108 decision to the Orlando Magic despite leading by 15 points in the third quarter and 10 points in the fourth. They were tied with 3:50 remaining.

Saddiq Bey scored 32 points, Fears had 19, Yves Missi added 18 with 13 rebounds and Zion Williamson delivered 17 points in 28 minutes. Williamson played in his 62nd game, his second most in seven NBA campaigns. He has averaged 21 points with 5.7 rebounds.


Tuesday will be New Orleans’ final home game of the season.

“Give (the fans) one more (and) bring some joy into our building,” Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego said. “One more run on Tuesday night and bring our best. That’s what I’m looking for, for our guys to bring their best.”

While the Pelicans are on an eight-game losing streak, the Jazz have lost nine consecutive games. The most recent defeat in that run was a 146-111 setback to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

It was the most points scored in a game this season by the champion Thunder. Their second-highest-scoring game was a 144-point effort on Nov. 21 against the Jazz.

Utah’s Lauri Markkanen (hip), Keyonte George (hamstring) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) all are expected to miss the final handful of games.

Brice Sensabaugh (14.8 points per game) scored 34 points Sunday, his third most in a game this season. He is scoring 26 points over his last 11 games, including a 41-point effort March 18 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Brice’s biggest improvement is getting catch-and-shoots off,” Jazz head coach Will Hardy said. “Shooting is a great weapon for him. Coming into the NBA (in 2023), he was for sure more of a scorer than a shooter. But for us now, and moving forward, if Brice gets a catch-and-shoot, we want him to shoot it.”

The Jazz will close their season with a home game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday and a road game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pelicans #host #Jazz #matchup #Western #Conference #alsorans">Deadspin | Pelicans to host Jazz in matchup of Western Conference also-rans Feb 28, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears (0) grabs the ball away from Utah Jazz guard Elijah Harkless (16) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images Late-season losing streaks collide Tuesday when the New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Utah Jazz. While losing has more benefit than winning for teams low in the standings, the Jazz (21-58) have more to gain by losing as they sit fourth from the bottom of the overall NBA pecking order with three games remaining in the season. Utah is tied for last place in the Western Conference standings with the Sacramento Kings. The Pelicans (25-54) have been only slightly better than the Jazz, but they don’t stand much to gain in the draft-positioning race. The Atlanta Hawks own New Orleans’ first-round pick this upcoming offseason, while the Chicago Bulls are in possession of the team’s second-round pick. By trading their first-round pick last summer, the Pelicans did land Derik Queen, who has been finding his way through an up-and-down first season with 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds over 78 games (45 starts). Fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears has scored 13.4 points with 3.3 assists in 79 games (46 starts) for New Orleans. Without Trey Murphy III (ankle) and Dejounte Murray (hand) on Sunday, the Pelicans dropped a 112-108 decision to the Orlando Magic despite leading by 15 points in the third quarter and 10 points in the fourth. They were tied with 3:50 remaining. Saddiq Bey scored 32 points, Fears had 19, Yves Missi added 18 with 13 rebounds and Zion Williamson delivered 17 points in 28 minutes. Williamson played in his 62nd game, his second most in seven NBA campaigns. He has averaged 21 points with 5.7 rebounds. Tuesday will be New Orleans’ final home game of the season. “Give (the fans) one more (and) bring some joy into our building,” Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego said. “One more run on Tuesday night and bring our best. That’s what I’m looking for, for our guys to bring their best.” While the Pelicans are on an eight-game losing streak, the Jazz have lost nine consecutive games. The most recent defeat in that run was a 146-111 setback to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. It was the most points scored in a game this season by the champion Thunder. Their second-highest-scoring game was a 144-point effort on Nov. 21 against the Jazz. Utah’s Lauri Markkanen (hip), Keyonte George (hamstring) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) all are expected to miss the final handful of games. Brice Sensabaugh (14.8 points per game) scored 34 points Sunday, his third most in a game this season. He is scoring 26 points over his last 11 games, including a 41-point effort March 18 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. “Brice’s biggest improvement is getting catch-and-shoots off,” Jazz head coach Will Hardy said. “Shooting is a great weapon for him. Coming into the NBA (in 2023), he was for sure more of a scorer than a shooter. But for us now, and moving forward, if Brice gets a catch-and-shoot, we want him to shoot it.” The Jazz will close their season with a home game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday and a road game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pelicans #host #Jazz #matchup #Western #Conference #alsorans

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