Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC TV/Radio: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (Hornets), KFAA / MavsTV (Mavericks); local radio on 97.1 The Ticket (Mavs)
The Mavericks roll into Charlotte on a lengthy road trip as one of the NBA’s most injury-riddled and struggling teams, sitting 12th in the Western Conference. The Hornets, meanwhile, sit 10th in the East (4th in the Southeast) and enter riding momentum with a winning streak. This matchup favors Charlotte heavily due to home-court advantage, superior health, and recent form.
Injury Report
Dallas Mavericks (extensive absences):
Cooper Flagg (SF, rookie) – Out (left midfoot sprain; unlikely for this game and multiple prior contests)
Kyrie Irving (PG) – Out (left knee surgery; season-ending)
P.J. Washington (PF) – Out (left ankle / concussion protocol)
Charlotte Hornets: No reported injuries. Full strength, with the entire rotation available.
The Mavericks are playing without their top young talent (Flagg), star guard (Irving), and several key rotation pieces, relying heavily on role players and recent acquisitions like Caleb Martin, Max Christie, and veterans such as Daniel Gafford or Dwight Powell.
W @ Brooklyn (recent road win) They have dropped the majority of their last 10-12 contests, with poor offensive efficiency and defensive lapses exacerbated by injuries.
Hornets (last 5-10 games): Surging. They have won 4 straight (including a 109-93 win vs. Portland on Feb. 28 and a 133-109 road win vs. Indiana). Earlier hot streak featured an 8-game road winning run. In their last 10 games they are approximately 7-3, averaging strong offensive output (120+ PPG in wins) with improved defense and rebounding.
Series History
All-time regular season: Mavericks lead 45-25. In the 2025-26 season: Hornets won the most recent meeting on Jan. 29, 2026 (123-121 in Dallas). Charlotte has shown the ability to compete or win close games against Dallas recently, and with the Mavericks’ current roster depletion, the trend favors the home team.
Key Player Matchups
LaMelo Ball (Hornets PG, ~19.3 PPG, 7.4 APG) vs. Mavericks backcourt (likely Ryan Nembhard / Brandon Williams / AJ Johnson): Ball’s playmaking and scoring volume should overwhelm a makeshift Dallas guard group. Expect high-assist nights and transition buckets.
Brandon Miller (Hornets SF, team-high ~21.0 PPG) / Kon Knueppel (rookie wing, ~19 PPG) vs. Max Christie / Caleb Martin (Mavericks wings): Miller and Knueppel provide elite shooting and size; Dallas’ wings will struggle to contain the Hornets’ perimeter attack without Thompson or Marshall.
Miles Bridges (Hornets PF, ~17.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG) vs. Dallas frontcourt (Gafford / Powell / Middleton minutes): Bridges’ athleticism and rebounding give Charlotte an edge on the glass against a depleted, smaller Mavericks front line.
Interior / Bench: Hornets’ Ryan Kalkbrenner (C) and depth (Coby White, Josh Green) provide fresh legs and versatility that Dallas’ injury-riddled bench cannot match.
Betting Trends
Hornets are 5-0 or 6-0 ATS in recent home games / winning streak contests.
Hornets are 4-1 or better ATS in their last 5 overall.
Mavericks are poor ATS as road underdogs (especially 2-5+ in similar spots recently).
Hornets have covered comfortably in blowout-style wins during their streak.
The total has gone under in several recent Hornets home games but over in high-pace road wins; expect a lean toward the over if Dallas forces tempo.
Game Odds
Dallas Mavericks 229.5
Charlotte Hornets – 11.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, March 2, 2026
Hawthorne Race Course, the historic Chicago‑area track long mired in financial trouble and stalled redevelopment plans, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Friday, listing between $100 million and $500 million in liabilities and $50 million to $100 million in assets.
The filing comes weeks after the Illinois Racing Board halted live racing and suspended the track’s off‑track betting operations when horsemen received bounced purse checks for the second time in a matter of weeks.
In a statement, Hawthorne said it intends to pursue a reorganization plan that will “prioritize paying accrued purses to the Illinois Horsemen as well as payroll for the track employees while restructuring the company’s debt.”
Racing Suspended as Debts Mount
The track said its goal is to attract a buyer or investor capable of recapitalizing the business and restarting racing operations. The bankruptcy follows years of stalled progress on Hawthorne’s long‑promised racino project.
Illinois lawmakers authorized racetrack casino licenses in 2019, and Hawthorne received preliminary approval later that year. The track even demolished part of its grandstand in preparation for redevelopment. But financing never materialized, and the project has remained frozen.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Hawthorne owes significant sums to contractors, and regulators have been reluctant to advance competing racetrack or casino proposals in the region while Hawthorne’s future remains unresolved.
The track has also faced operational setbacks. In 2024 and 2025, simulcast providers — including Churchill Downs Inc. — cut off Hawthorne’s access to certain race signals over unpaid settlement fees, preventing bettors from wagering on major tracks through Hawthorne’s terminals.
Racino Project Could Still Be Revived
Despite the turmoil, Hawthorne President and CEO Tim Carey said there is “substantial interest from potential buyers and recapitalization partners,” citing the potential value of completing the racino development.
Carey said debtor‑in‑possession financing could help restore simulcasting operations, which he estimated could generate roughly $4 million per month.
Fanatics Among Largest Creditors
One of Hawthorne’s largest creditors is its sports‑betting partner, Fanatics, which is owed $8.75 million, according to the bankruptcy filing. Fanatics continues to operate retail sportsbooks at Hawthorne and several affiliated OTB locations under the track’s license.
However, Fanatics’ mobile sportsbook in Illinois now operates under a different partner — Argosy Casino Alton — rather than Hawthorne’s license.
Penn Entertainment reported higher revenue and sharply reduced losses in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by record digital gaming results and steady performance across its retail properties despite weather‑related disruptions.
The company posted $1.8 billion in revenue for the quarter, up from $1.7 billion a year earlier. Penn’s net loss narrowed to $73.4 million, compared with a $133.8 million loss in the prior‑year period. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA rose to $225.8 million, up from $165.2 million.
Penn said its retail casino segment generated $1.4 billion in revenue, with adjusted EBITDAR of $456.4 million at a 32.3% margin. Severe December weather reduced retail EBITDAR by roughly $7 million, though executives said underlying trends remained stable and theoretical revenue continued to grow year over year.
The company’s interactive division reported record revenue of $398.7 million, fueled by gains in its Hollywood iCasino product and online sportsbook. The segment posted an adjusted EBITDA loss of $39.9 million.
Penn ended 2025 with $1.1 billion in liquidity, including $686.6 million in cash and equivalents. Traditional net debt stood at $2.2 billion. The company also highlighted $150 million in funding from Gaming and Leisure Properties for a second hotel tower at the M Resort in Las Vegas, and expects an additional $225 million tied to the upcoming relocation of Hollywood Casino Aurora, scheduled to open at the end of the second quarter of 2026.
Chief Executive Jay Snowden called the quarter “solid,” noting the company’s U.S. sportsbook completed its transition to theScore Bet following the phase‑out of ESPN Bet. Snowden said Penn expects 20% adjusted EBITDAR growth in 2026, supported by strength in both retail and digital operations.
He added that Penn has identified more than $10 million in annualized corporate cost savings and plans to return to pre‑pandemic spending levels as recent investments take hold.
“Given this outlook, we expect to de‑lever year over year, reducing lease‑adjusted net leverage by more than one turn and traditional net leverage by more than two turns, and opportunistically return capital to shareholders,” Snowden said.
WAIVER SYSTEM TRANSACTIONS TERMINATIONS OF VESTED VETERANS DETROIT Glasgow, Graham C Michigan (10)* PS: VET – Failed Physical HOUSTON Ward, Jimmie DB Northern Illinois (12)* PS: VET MIAMI Eichenberg, Liam G Notre Dame (5)* PS: VET Failed Physical PITTSBURGH Anderson, Calvin T Texas (7)* PS: VET *Indicates player’s accrued seasons at end of 2025 season.
ACTIVE LIST ADDITION FREE AGENT SIGNING PHILADELPHIA Graham, Ta’Quon DE Texas
The New York Racing Association, Inc. announced the stakes schedule for the 2026 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, which will open Friday, 3 July, and continue through Labor Day, Monday, 7 September.
Highlighted by the 157th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on 29 August and the 99th edition of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on 8 August, the 46-day summer meet will offer 20 Grade 1 races among 73 stakes worth over $23.575 million in total purses.
The summer meet will begin with a special 4 July Racing Festival featuring the Grade 1, $750,000 Belmont Derby and Grade 1, $600,000 Belmont Oaks. Typically held at Belmont Park, the 4 July Festival will honor America’s 250th anniversary with on-track entertainment, patriotic fanfare and a variety of family friendly events.
Following the three-day Opening Weekend, Friday, 3 July, through Sunday, 5 July, live racing will be conducted Thursday-Sunday before the resumption of the five-day racing week beginning Wednesday, 29 July. The 2026 summer meet will conclude with a six-day closing week from Wednesday, 2 September, through Labor Day, Monday, 7 September.
?With the new Belmont Park to re-open on 18 September 2026 will mark the final year of adjustments to the customary schedule of racing at Saratoga. Beginning in 2027, Belmont Park will host the Belmont Stakes and 4 July Racing Festivals, while Saratoga will return to its traditional 40-day summer meet.
The Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup will return to its traditional home at Belmont Park in 2026 and serve as the opening day feature on Friday, September 18. This follows a five-year period when the Gold Cup was held during the summer meet at Saratoga. Additionally, the Grade 2, $500,000 Flower Bowl will return downstate and be held during the fall meet at Belmont Park on a date to be determined.
On the heels of a record-setting Whitney Day in 2025, which was further elevated by the inclusion of the Grade 1, $750,000 Fourstardave for the first time in Saratoga history, a blockbuster day of world-class racing awaits fans on Saturday, 8 August. Headlined by the 99th running of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney, NYRA will offer four Grade 1 events inclusive of the Whitney, Fourstardave, $750,000 Saratoga Derby presented by Qatar Racing and $500,000 Test presented by Ticketmaster.
As the centerpiece of the summer meet, and one of racing’s biggest events, DraftKings Travers Day will be held on Saturday, August 29. The stars of the sport will converge on Saratoga to compete in five Grade 1 events among nine stakes in total. In addition to the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers, the program will include the Grade 1, $500,000 Personal Ensign, the Grade 1, $500,000 Forego, the Grade 1, $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial and the Grade 1, $500,000 Resorts World Casino Ballerina.
Saratoga Live, the critically acclaimed and award-winning television show produced by NYRA in partnership with FOX Sports, will return for its 11th season in 2026 to provide daily coverage and in-depth analysis of the summer meet on the FOX Sports family of networks.
Saratoga will host the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival for the third and final time from Wednesday, June 3, through Sunday, 7 June. Highlighted by the 158th edition of the Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets on Saturday, 6 June, the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will include 10 Grade 1 races among 18 graded stakes across five days of world class competition.
To mark 100 days until the Belmont Stakes, fans who purchase Belmont Stakes Day admission today will receive complimentary general admission for Thursday, 4 June and Friday, 5 June as well $25 of credit redeemable for food & beverage on Saturday, 6 June.
LONDON – A senior official at Britain’s gambling regulator warned that the agency cannot single‑handedly combat the growing threat posed by major offshore operators and organized criminal groups targeting the U.K. market.
Tim Miller, executive director of the U.K. Gambling Commission, told the Betting and Gaming Council’s annual meeting on Feb. 26 that while the regulator is taking a “robust approach” to illegal gambling, its size and mandate require close cooperation with other government bodies and private‑sector partners.
Miller welcomed the additional £26 million in funding allocated to the commission in the government’s latest budget but said the agency remains a relatively small public body. Tackling sophisticated black‑market actors, he said, requires coordination with social‑media companies, technology platforms, affiliates, financial institutions, and the government’s new illegal‑gambling task force.
“We are a fairly small public body based in Birmingham in the West Midlands, often trying to take on either big multinational corporations or criminal gangs based in places like Russia,” Miller said during a Q&A session. “So we’ve got to be realistic about what we can achieve.”
He said the commission is encouraged by the creation of the cross‑government task force, which includes representatives from finance and social‑media sectors, but stressed that the most serious threats to the regulated market come from large international operators and organized crime groups operating outside U.K. jurisdiction.
Miller also addressed emerging issues such as the potential use of cryptocurrency in gambling, noting that any future policy changes would require careful assessment of risks.
The remarks come as the commission undergoes internal change. CEO Andrew Rhodes recently announced he would step down to take a new role, which has not yet been disclosed.
MELBOURNE, Australia – CrownBet has returned to the Australian wagering market, with Crown Resorts subsidiary Betfair Pty Ltd relaunching the brand as a fixed‑odds sportsbook ahead of the NRL and AFL seasons.
The move marks a strategic expansion for Betfair, which has traditionally operated a betting exchange. By reintroducing CrownBet, the company said it aims to offer customers a broader range of wagering options and compete more directly with established fixed‑odds bookmakers.
The platform is powered by BetMakers Technology Group and features racing and sports markets along with responsible‑gambling tools. CrownBet previously operated in Australia before undergoing several rebrands, including a transition to BetEasy, prior to its revival under the original name.
Betfair CEO Amy Zavros said the relaunch reflects the company’s effort to modernize its product lineup. “With sophisticated tech, deep market coverage and the backing of one of the country’s most trusted entertainment brands, we’re setting a new benchmark for what a wagering experience should feel like,” she said.
Crown Resorts CEO David Tsai said the return of CrownBet aligns with the company’s broader strategy to expand its entertainment offerings and diversify revenue.
CrownBet’s fixed‑odds sportsbook will offer markets across major domestic competitions, including the AFL and NRL, as well as racing and international sports.
Below is our interview with Sports Handicapper Jeff Hunter with Big Game Hunter Sports
1. Credibility & Background
Walk me through your path into handicapping — what qualifies you to sell picks in a market full of noise.
I have been capping sports for over 30 years and I certainly do not tell my clients to quit their day job, but use sports betting to add to their income.
What’s the biggest misconception about your background that you want to clear up right now.
Just because I work in the gaming industry I do have access to certain information, that being said I am not going to win everyday, but over the coarse of the year you will be ahead units.
What’s the most verifiable accomplishment in your handicapping career.
The most verifiable accomplishment was winning over 60 units 2 years ago on European soccer mainly Premier league, champions league and FA cup matches. Verified by the newsletter we put out daily on KOTA Sports Cappers who I am no longer affiliated with.
Have you ever been banned, limited, or restricted by a sportsbook — and why.
I have never been banned by a sportsbook by a local cut me off years ago did not want my action.
What’s the largest documented winning streak you’ve had, and what’s the largest losing streak.
See question above and largest losing streak 2 years ago MLB.
2. Transparency & Record-Keeping
How do you track your picks, and who independently verifies your record.
My picks will be tracked again by the sports gaming Monitor as well as myself since the monitor does not offer the soccer I bet on. Those picks will be on my podcast.
What’s your lifetime ROI across all sports — and what’s your ROI over the last 12 months.
Over the last 30 years I have only had 7 losing seasons overall, the last 12 months due to family issues have not been posting plays.
What’s the worst season you’ve ever had, and what did you learn from it.
2 years ago MLB got smoked, what I learned and I am still learning is you cant get it all back in one day sports betting is a grind whether you are up or down units.
Do you publish closing line value (CLV) for your plays — if not, why.
Not a fan of the whole CLV thing just another term created for the masses, I advise my clients to bet as close to the opening line as possible. With gambling still expanding the line moves can be big it does not mean you got on the wrong side at the wrong time.
How often do you update your record, and do you include pushes, half‑wins, half‑losses, and line‑shopping discrepancies.
Record will be update daily via the sports gaming monitor.
3. Methodology & Process
Describe your handicapping process from start to finish — what’s your edge.
With my main game being European soccer Form is the biggest thing I look at. I do have someone in England who provides invaluable information about the clubs, as well as how the conditions of the pitch are. This comes in handy especially during the FA cup where we have hit some big prices.
What percentage of your approach is analytics vs. intuition vs. market reading.
What’s the most overrated stat in sports betting, and what’s the most underrated.
Teams records. I think what most do not realize is that you are dealing with the best of the best especially in NFL. The most underrated is how the team is playing and scheduling.
How do you determine whether a line is soft or sharp.
I handicap it and come up with my own line then I compare it to what it posted, if I see value I tell my clients to make the bet. My motto is if I say it I play it.
What’s your process for identifying when the market has moved against you and you’re on the wrong side.
Does not effect my in any way as I trust my processes that I have developed over the years.
4. Betting Strategy & Bankroll Management
What staking strategy do you personally use — and what do you recommend to clients.
Bet no more then 4% of your bankroll at any given time as the bankroll increases so do the bets.
What’s your philosophy on chasing losses or pressing wins.
Slow and steady wins the race, all these guys now days with ladder challenges, 15 picks a day will put you in the poor house.
How do you handle variance when you know the public expects daily winners.
We will not win everyday, but at the end of the year we will be in the green.
What’s the biggest bankroll mistake you see bettors make.
Wagering to much of their bankroll on a game just because it on TV.
Do you ever advise clients to not bet a game even if you have a lean — why.
I get this a lot when the FA cup rolls around as the prices are high, when you have a premier league team playing a team in the 3rd tier, but sometime there is value in a +1500 dog and you take your shot. See macclesfied Town in this years FA cup beating Crystal Palace.
5. Ethics & Industry Integrity
What’s your stance on selling “locks,” “guarantees,” or “max plays.”
If you hear that from someone run, there are no such things a locks, if a guy wants to be realistic and say he has a 5 unit max play I am ok with that. It the ones that lose 10 in a row and give out a 100 unit max play and win and say they are now up 50 units. Cmon man you clients are broke by that point.
Have you ever refunded clients after a losing streak — why or why not.
No. But I have given out free weeks before just from a customer service perspective.
Do you ever bet against your own clients’ plays — explain your ethics around that.
Never if I say it I play it.
How do you avoid conflicts of interest with affiliates, sportsbooks, or revenue-sharing deals.
Well I work in gaming and last I looked they will not go broke by people playing my picks
What’s your response to people who say handicapping services are scams.
Most of the kids now days are, like follow, share to the poor house. Great content but can’t pick their nose. Give me 30 days of free picks then become a client.
6. Market Knowledge & Sharp Behavior
How do you identify sharp vs. public money on a given line.
Due to the nature of my job I see the reports.
What’s your approach when a line moves significantly after you release a pick.
The pick has been made based on my handicapping, once the pick is in there is really not much you can do. One of the strategies I use is betting dogs late especially in the NFL.
What’s the biggest market inefficiency you’ve exploited in the last year.
Any European soccer books really do not pay attention here in the United states as the amount wagered is small compared to the NFL.
Which sports do you believe are the most beatable — and which are nearly impossible.
European soccer and hockey and MLB is where I have had most of my success. As anyone will tell you the toughest is the NFL.
How do you adjust your strategy during playoffs when lines tighten.
There is no adjustment cap the game trust your processes and make the bet.
7. Technology, Data, and Modeling
What tools, models, or software do you rely on — and what do you build in‑house.
Old school capper pen paper and the eye test.
How do you incorporate injury data, travel schedules, and situational factors.
One of the best ones is back to back road games in the NFL, and divisional rivalries always taking the dog or passing.
Do you use machine learning or predictive modeling — if so, how.
This does not apply to my capping philosophy.
What’s the biggest flaw in most publicly available betting models.
Too much information that means absolutely nothing to the average betting almost like information overload which leads to overthinking wagers.
How do you ensure your data inputs aren’t contaminated by bias or bad sources.
See above
8. Customer Value & Service
What makes your service worth paying for in a world full of free picks.
At then end of the year you will be up money, I am honest to a fault and at the end of the day if you just want to use my free picks that is fine too.
How do you handle clients who tilt, chase, or emotionally bet.
I make it clear that gambling is not for the weak and it is a marathon not a sprint. Another motto I use in all my podcasts closings is bet with your head not over it. Never use mobile apps, go the brick and mortar books where you have to lay the cash on the counter.
What’s your refund policy — and why.
I do not have a refund policy just like I do not have a tip policy, that being said if I really stink it up I give the next week or month for free.
What’s the biggest complaint you’ve ever received from a client.
No real complaints just how come we did not win money today. My response was we won the four days prior do not panic.
What’s the one thing you wish every bettor understood before buying picks.
We will not win everyday. But over the long term you will show a profit. Money management makes sense.
Describe a time when you were completely wrong about a game — what happened.
It was Liverpool vs Aston Villa and I thought Villa had a shot I believe they got wax 4-0 game was over after 20mins. It happens you just move on to the next one.
What’s the toughest call you’ve ever made that turned out to be right.
Any big dog in the FA Cup is always gut wrenching as they could and probably should get waxed but sometimes small dogs bite.
How do you handle public criticism when you’re cold. Yes anyone that says anything like that should not be gambling, same goes when you are hot and they say you are the GOAT.
If you had to bet your entire bankroll on one sport for a full year, which sport would you choose and why.
European soccer weak lines almost weekly.
What’s your response to someone who says “If you’re so good, why sell picks.”
That’s like saying you like food why do you sell it to the grocery store. I spend about 6 hours of everyday going through games for clients to find the best on the board. My time is worth money just like the clients money is worth getting my best picks.
10. Final Cut‑Through-the-BS Questions
What’s your edge — in one sentence.
Bankroll management and European soccer.
What’s the one question you hope I don’t ask you today.
If I am single. lol
What’s the biggest lie in the sports handicapping industry.
All these kids in videos with mansions, fancy cars. The bigger the flex looks the bigger the fraud in most cases.
What separates you from every other handicapper claiming to be “elite.”
I claim realistic numbers for my clients, again will you retire not unless you have a big bankroll, but if you’re the average guy or gal looking to enhance your income which I would say 90% of people are, I am the right transparent guy for you.
If I gave you $100,000 to bet today, how would you allocate it — and why.
It would be $1000 bets mostly on soccer and increase the wager amount as my bankroll increased. Build my wealth over time then maybe quit punching a clock for a living.
If you would like to purchase selections from Big Game Hunter Sports, please click here.
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has claimed forward Robby Fabbri off waivers from the St. Louis Blues and placed forward Marcus Foligno on Injured Reserve with a lower-body injury.
Fabbri, 30 (1/22/96), has collected four points (1-3=4) and 12 penalty minutes (PIM) in 15 NHL games with St. Louis and tallied two points (1-2=2) in three games with the Charlotte Checkers in the American Hockey League (AHL) this season. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound native of Mississauga, Ontario, owns 220 points (107-113=220) in 457 career games in parts of 10 NHL seasons with Detroit, Anaheim and St. Louis (2015-26). Fabbri has also tallied 16 points (5-11=16) in 30 career Stanley Cup Playoff games and won a Stanley Cup with St. Louis in 2019.
Fabbri tallied 171 points (80-91=171) in 147 games in three with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) (2012-15). He ranked second on the Storm in points (45-42=87) and goals during the 2013-14 season, winning the Memorial Cup and was named the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award winner as playoff MVP after posting 28 points (13-15=28) in 16 games. He also won a Gold Medal with Canada at the 2015 IIHF Under-20 World Junior Championship, posting six points (2-4=6) in five games. was selected by the Blues in the first round (21st overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft. He will wear sweater No. 21 with Minnesota.
