Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis expected to return vs. Nets after missing last eight games with mystery illness

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis will be available for the team’s matchup with the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. It could be Porzingis’ first appearance since Feb. 26. He missed the Celtics’ last eight games due to a mystery illness.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said on Saturday that if Porzingis does play, it will probably be on a minutes restriction.

There has been little information regarding Porzingis’ situation over the past few weeks. The team has repeatedly listed him as out due to a non-COVID illness but has not provided any other information. On March 6, Mazzulla said, “He’s sick. He’s coming into the facility every day trying to get shots up, sweat it out. He’s just not feeling well. He is working to get back.”

Isiah Thomas declined to be in new Celtics doc after ‘Last Dance’ depiction: ‘I wasn’t gonna get fooled twice’
Austin Nivison
Isiah Thomas declined to be in new Celtics doc after ‘Last Dance’ depiction: ‘I wasn’t gonna get fooled twice’
Porzingis, who has been on the bench with the team throughout this period, eventually posted an update on social media on March 10, saying that the team hadn’t been able to figure out his illness.

“I have been dealing with some viral illness that we haven’t been able to fully identify yet,” Porzingis wrote. I am recovering and getting better, but I am still working my way back to full strength to help this team. Thanks for your support, and I’m hoping for a healthy return soon.”

This has certainly been a strange situation, but the good news is that Porzingis appears to finally be healthy. This has been a stop-start campaign for the oft-injured big man, who has only appeared in 32 games due in large part to an offseason ankle surgery that kept him on the sideline until Nov. 25. As long as he’s ready for the postseason, though, that’s all that matters.

The Celtics were able to win a title last season despite only having Porzingis for seven playoff games. It’s hard to imagine they would be able to pull off that feat again, especially with how strong the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder look.

During Porzingis’ absence, the Celtics went 6-2, but those losses were to the Cavaliers and Thunder, both at home. Depending on how the playoffs shake out, they might have to beat both of those teams to complete a repeat. To do that, they’ll need their 7-foot-2 “cheat code” on the floor.

 2025 NBA picks, March 15 best bets from proven model

The New York Knicks hit the road looking to win their third straight game when they take on the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center on Saturday. New York is 42-23 overall and 21-12 on the road, while Golden State is 38-28 overall and 20-13 at home. The Knicks are coming off a 114-113 overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. The Warriors are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, and are riding a six-game winning streak. Golden State is looking to build off its 130-104 blowout win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. Jalen Brunson (ankle) is out for the Knicks.

Tipoff in San Francisco is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. The Warriors are favored by 7.5 points in the latest Knicks vs. Warriors odds via SportsLine consensus, and the over/under is 228.5 points. Before locking in any Warriors vs. Knicks picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer 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 Knicks vs. Warriors and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for the game:

Knicks vs. Warriors spread: Warriors -7.5
Knicks vs. Warriors over/under: 228.5 points
Knicks vs. Warriors money line: Warriors -289, Knicks +232
Knicks vs. Warriors picks: See picks at SportsLine
Knicks vs. Warriors streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
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Why the Warriors can cover
The Warriors are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. Golden State is 9-1 in its last 10 games, and has been dominant on both ends of the floor. During those 10 games, the Warriors are averaging 122.3 points per game, while allowing opponents an average of 109.1 points per game. Golden State is 35-30-1 against the spread this season.

Stephen Curry continues to play at a high level for Golden State. The two-time NBA MVP is averaging 24.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. Jonathan Kuminga (16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds per game) and Jimmy Butler (16.8 points, 5.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds per game) lead the Warriors’ supporting cast. See which team to pick here.

Why the Knicks can cover
The Knicks will be without Brunson, but still have the firepower to keep this game close and potentially win outright. New York averages 117.1 points per game, which is the sixth best number in the NBA. The Knicks have also gone 21-12 on the road this season.

Center Karl-Anthony Towns presents a significant matchup issue for Golden State. The five-time NBA All-Star has been outstanding in his first season in New York, averaging 24.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Shooting guard Josh Hart averages close to a double-double with per game averages of 14.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assist per game. See which team to pick here.

How to make Warriors vs. Knicks picks
The model has simulated Knicks vs. Warriors 10,000 times and the results are in. The model is leaning Under on the point total, projecting 224 combined points. It’s also generated a point-spread pick that is hitting in well over 50% of simulations. You can only see the model’s pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Warriors vs. Knicks on Saturday, and which side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Knicks vs. Warriors 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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Knicks star could be out until early April with ankle sprain, per report

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is expected to be out through late March or early April while recovering from a right ankle sprain, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Brunson sustained the injury during New York’s 113-109 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last Thursday night. During the overtime period, as Brunson was driving to the basket and drew a foul, he crumpled to the floor in obvious pain. The replay showed that he stepped on the ankle of Lakers guard Austin Reaves, causing his foot to bend at an awkward angle.

Brunson managed to stay in the game to shoot his free throws, but exited immediately afterward and did not return. Here’s how the injury occurred:

Brunson has been pivotal in the Knicks’ success this season. Since arriving to the team in the summer of 2022, he has been at the center of the most successful period for the Knicks this century. So his absence is a massive blow to a Knicks team that currently sits third in the Eastern Conference standings. If Brunson hits the longer end of his recovery timetable and is out through April 2, he will miss a total of 14 games, including matchups with the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jalen Brunson injury: What is the Knicks’ short-term outlook without their star point guard?
Jack Maloney
Jalen Brunson injury: What is the Knicks’ short-term outlook without their star point guard?
The Knicks have a bit of a cushion with a five-game lead over the Bucks and Indiana Pacers, but they’ll need to find other sources of scoring with Brunson on the shelf. In three games since his injury New York’s offense has dropped from 118 points per 100 possessions (fifth in the NBA) to 113 (19th). That being said, the defensive rating has improved from 114 to 107 as the Knicks have gone 2-1.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau spoke of Brunson’s grit despite leaving injured against the Lakers.

“His mental toughness is through the roof,” Thibodeau said. “It doesn’t surprise me the way he played the whole game. He still keeps battling and battling.”

Brunson’s absence leaves the Knicks without their leading scorer, and an adequate high-level ball handler, too. Thibodeau has leaned on the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns to carry the offensive load in the meantime, which he’s certainly capable of, but in terms of someone who can be a do-it-all creator, the Knicks don’t have anyone waiting in the wings to fill that role.

“It’s a bummer of an injury,” Josh Hart said after the Lakers game.

No team relies on its starters more than the Knicks, and with Brunson out they have over 35 minutes per night to fill.

The good news is that the injury wasn’t more serious, but for at least the next two weeks the Knicks will have to figure out how to stay afloat without their leading man.

 Monday Night Football picks, predictions by NFL model on 167-117 run

Teams fighting for a spot in the NFL playoff picture for the second year in a row will meet when the Seattle Seahawks battle the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. The Seahawks (2-1), who have made the playoffs in 10 of 13 years under coach Pete Carroll, have won two in a row and are coming off a 37-27 win over the Carolina Panthers. The Giants (1-2), who have made the postseason seven times since 2007, were beaten in their last game, 30-12 at San Francisco. In 20 all-time meetings, Seattle and New York have won 10 each. Giants running back Saquon Barkley is inactive with an ankle injury.

Kickoff from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., is set for 8:15 p.m. ET. The Seahawks are 2.5-point favorites in the latest Seahawks vs. Giants odds, while the over/under for total points scored is 46.5. Before making any Giants vs. Seahawks picks, be sure to check out the NFL predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up well over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception. The model enters Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season on an incredible 167-117 run on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season. It is also on a 21-9 roll on top-rated NFL picks since Week 7 of last season.

The model also ranked in the top 10 on NFLPickWatch four of the past six years on straight-up NFL picks and beat more than 94% of CBS Sports Football Pick’em players four times during that span. Anyone who has followed it is way up.

Now, the model has set its sights on Seahawks vs. Giants and just locked in its MNF picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are the NFL odds and betting lines for Seahawks vs. Giants:

Seahawks vs. Giants spread: Seahawks -2.5
Seahawks vs. Giants over-under: 46.5 points
Seahawks vs. Giants money line: Seahawks -127, Giants +107
SEA: Seahawks are 2-1 against the spread so far this season
NYG: Giants are 0-1 straight-up at home
Seahawks vs. Giants picks: See picks at SportsLine
Seahawks vs. Giants live stream: fubo (try for free)
Why the Giants can cover
Linebacker Micah McFadden led New York with 10 tackles and had a career-high four tackles for loss in Week 3. It was his second career game with 10 or more tackles after accomplishing the feat in Week 1. He has a tackle for loss in three of his last four games and registered his first career sack in the last meeting at Seattle. For the season, McFadden has a team-high 26 tackles, including 17 solo, with five tackles for loss.

Linebacker Bobby Okereke registered nine tackles last week and has five or more tackles in 11 consecutive games. He had seven tackles in his only career game against Seattle as a member of the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. This season, Okereke has 22 tackles, including 15 solo, with one tackle for loss and one forced fumble. In five career seasons, he has registered 442 tackles, including 308 solo, with two sacks, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. See which team to pick here.

Why the Seahawks can cover
Wide receiver DK Metcalf led the Seahawks with six catches for 112 yards last week, his 10th career game with 100 or more. He will look for his fifth game in a row on the road with 70 or more receiving yards and sixth game in a row on the road with five or more receptions. He had a receiving touchdown in their last meeting with the Giants. Metcalf has a team-high 15 receptions for 234 yards (15.6 average) and one touchdown in 2023, including four explosive plays of 20 yards or more, including a high of 34 yards.

Wide receiver Tyler Lockett has also played well on the road and has five receiving touchdowns in his past four games away from home. He is looking for his fifth game in a row on the road with a TD catch. He had a touchdown reception in last year’s meeting with New York and is looking for his third game in a row against the Giants with five or more catches. Lockett has 13 receptions for 103 yards (7.9 average) and two touchdowns this season. See which team to pick here.

How to make Seahawks vs. Giants picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning over the point total. It has also generated an against-the-spread pick that hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only see the model’s pick at SportsLine.

Giants vs. Seahawks prediction, NFL picks, best bets by expert on 23-8 run

NFC foes will meet on Monday Night Football when the Seattle Seahawks (2-1) and New York Giants (1-2) battle at MetLife Stadium. Seattle has won five of the last six games against New York as the series renews in this primetime affair. The Seahawks have covered twice in their last five games, while the Giants have failed to cover in five straight. Giants running back Saquon Barkley is officially inactive due to an ankle injury.

Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET. Seattle is a 2.5-point favorite in the latest Giants vs. Seahawks odds, while the over/under for total points scored is 46.5. Before making any Seahawks vs. Giants picks or NFL predictions, you need to see what SportsLine NFL expert Josh Nagel has to say, considering his mastery of the the Seahawks.

Nagel is a Nevada-based handicapper with more than 20 years of experience in the sports wagering industry. He is 5-1-1 on his last seven NFL picks, returning a profit of $385. In addition, he has a particularly keen eye for the Seahawks, going 23-8 on his picks involving Seattle, returning $1,415 to $100 bettors. Anyone who has followed his advice is way up.

Now, Nagel has locked in on Seahawks vs. Giants from every angle and just locked in his picks and MNF predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several NFL odds and trends for Giants vs. Seahawks:

Giants vs. Seahawks spread: Seahawks -2.5
Giants vs. Seahawks over/under: 46.5 points
Giants vs. Seahawks money line: Seahawks -128, Giants +108
NYG: Giants are 0-3 against the spread this season
SEA: Seahawks are 1-2 ATS this season
Giants vs. Seahawks picks: See picks at SportsLine
Giants vs. Seahawks live stream: fubo (try for free)
Why the Seahawks can cover
Linebacker Bobby Wagner returned to Seattle this offseason and brings plenty of intensity and swagger. Wagner still has a knack for making plays on the ball due to his strong play recognition skills. The six-time First-Team All-Pro is currently first on the team in total tackles (33). He’s logged double-digit tackles in two of his last three games. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks is another athletic defender who can cause havoc.

Brooks is able to quickly diagnose plays and chase down ball-carriers. The Texas Tech product is second on the team in tackles (31) with two tackles for loss. In Week 2 against the Lions, Brooks had 11 total tackles. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon is already making an impact as a rookie. The 2023 fifth-overall pick has totaled 16 tackles and three pass breakups in two games. See which team to pick here.

Why the Giants can cover
The Giants have a strong duo at linebacker in the middle of the field that can run and chase. Linebacker Micah McFadden plays with excellent timing and anticipation. The Indiana product leads the team in total tackles (26) with five tackles for loss. He’s finished with double-digit stops in two of his last three games. In Week 3, McFadden logged 10 total tackles.

Linebacker Bobby Okereke has strong play speed and instincts at the second level. Okereke can defend both tight ends and running backs at a high level. The 27-year-old is third on the team in total tackles (22) and one forced fumble. In Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, Okereke finished with eight total stops. See which team to pick here.

How to make Giants vs. Seahawks picks
Nagel has analyzed this matchup from every angle and while we can tell you he’s leaning Under the point total, he has discovered a critical X-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the spread. He’s only sharing what it is, and which side to back, at SportsLine.

Cowboys’ Micah Parsons defends Zach Wilson after former NFL player calls Jets QB ‘garbage’ after Chiefs loss

The New York Jets gave the Kansas City Chiefs everything they could handle on “Sunday Night Football,” as the defending Super Bowl champions barely squeaked out a 23-20 victory in Week 4. A big reason for the close contest was Jets quarterback Zach Wilson shockingly out-playing reigning NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Wilson totaled 245 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions on 28 of 39 passing for a 105.2 passer rating. Sunday night marked the first game of Wilson’s career in which he had multiple passing touchdowns and no interceptions in a game. Mahomes threw for 203 passing yards while also accumulating a touchdown and two interceptions on 18 of 30 passing for a 63.6 passer rating. Those statistics led to Wilson being the first quarterback to have more completions, more passing yards, more passing touchdowns and fewer interceptions than Mahomes in a game opposite the two-time Super Bowl champion across his 127 starts in college and the NFL, according to OptaStats.

However, one ex-NFL player wasn’t interested in having a positive dialogue about Wilson afterwards. With Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones appearing on NBC’s postgame show, retired NFL safety Rodney Harrison, a current NBC Sports analyst, had a derogatory line of questioning for Jones regarding Wilson.

“Was Zach better on tape than you thought he would be?” Harrison asked. “You can be honest.”

After Jones was complimentary of Wilson’s growth this season, Harrison doubled down on dissing Wilson in his follow-up question to Jones.

“Watching that tape, man, you have to be like, ‘This dude is garbage, we should really tear him apart.'”

Harrison then cut Jones off when he said Wilson was “special” and “just needs time to grow.”

“I think he had a special night, but you have to prove you are special over time. You [Jones] are special.”

he was doing way too much. unprofessional as i’ve ever seen pic.twitter.com/o6ouahzEOZ

— BLEEDEM (@stefanskifan) October 2, 2023
Another one of the NFL’s top players, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, came to Wilson’s defense on his “The Edge” podcast on Bleacher Report. The Cowboys defeated the Jets, 30-10, in Week 2, a game in which Wilson had a season-high three interceptions. Parsons earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honor after his performance against Wilson and the Jets offense. He totaled two sacks, six quarterback pressures, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble in Week 2.

“To me bro, that’s just not right,” Parsons said Monday. “I always keep my faith in God, and I’m going to keep this real with you. We are not one to judge. We can’t keep saying someone is garbage, saying who is special and who’s not special. If you’re a really good football player, yes Chris Jones is a really good football player. Is he a better football player than Zach Wilson? Yes, but Chris has built himself upon that [status]. We’re not giving Zach Wilson that same courtesy. Let him grow and continue to get better each week.”

Parsons then called Harrison’s interviewing “fraudulent” before reiterating that Wilson, 24-years-old and in his third NFL season, needs to be given time to develop.

“To me that’s a fraudulent move,” Parsons said. “Zach Wilson is special in his own way bro. You can’t sit here and say, you look at the tape and he’s garbage. … You can say he’s not a Mahomes tier [quarterback], but you can’t say he’s not a good quarterback. He’s a starting quarterback in the NFL. Rodney, if you were so good, then show me you can [be an NFL quarterback]. He is a top-five pick, and he got drafted that high for a reason. Let his traits and everything he do grow.”

Parsons then addressed Wilson directly with words of encouragement.

“Zach, you’re out there,” Parsons said. “I hope you win, I hope you grow into the player no one thinks you can grow into. There is a lot people hating on you brother. Hall of Famers [Joe Namath], ex-pro players [Harrison], which makes no sense. I get we all love the game of football, but we have to remember Zach is a human being. … We don’t use our platform to degrade other players. We use our platform to uplift people. Everyone in this world just needs someone to believe in them, and I’m big on that.”

On Monday, Jets head coach Robert Saleh made it sound like Harrison reached out to Wilson to apologize about his comments.

“I heard about it this morning and from my understanding, Rodney handled everything the right way,” Saleh said, via The 33rd Team. “Rodney is a good man. … He handled it exactly how it’s supposed to. … It’s part of the profession, fair or unfair. Even though it feels personal, it’s not personal. We get it, it’s part of the business.”

Here’s what Patrick Mahomes said to Zach Wilson after Jets QB’s breakout game vs. Chiefs

Zach Wilson received plenty of praise following his performance during Sunday night’s 23-20 loss to the Chiefs. One of the first people to compliment Wilson was Patrick Mahomes, who sought out Wilson on the field following Sunday night’s game.

As you can see below, Mahomes offered encouragement to Wilson, whose statistics Sunday night dwarfed his own. Wilson, in what was easily his best game as a pro so far, threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns on 28 of 39 passing. Mahomes went 18 of 30 for 203 yards in a score while leading the Chiefs to a slim victory.

“You got the f—— talent,” Mahomes told Wilson. “Just go out there and ball!”

Great game @nyjets 🤝 pic.twitter.com/YVcDrU64Uh

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 2, 2023
Wilson’s postgame actions were nearly as impressive as what he did on the field Sunday night. Clearly disappointed with the outcome, Wilson took ownership for the Jets’ third loss of the year. While he largely played winning football, Wilson’s fumbled snap on the Jets’ final offensive play contributed to the loss.

Fumble aside, Wilson showed why head coach Robert Saleh has decided to stick with him as the Jets’ starter as Aaron Rodgers continues to recover from surgery. And like Mahomes, Chiefs star defensive tackle Chris Jones also offered praise of Wilson after Sunday night’s game.

“If I’m being completely honest, we knew it was going to be a battle,” Jones said during a postgame interview with NBC Sports. “He’s continuing to get better week in and week out, and he’s continuing to lead week in and week out. … Like I said, Zach Wilson is special, man. You’ve just got to give the guy time.”

Vikings’ Byron Murphy plans on poking fun at Chiefs TE to ‘get him going’

Since Travis Kelce’s rumored relationship with Taylor Swift went public, the global pop star has been at consecutive Kansas City Chiefs games — both of which have ended up in victories. If Swift plans to attend this week, it will be in Minnesota as the Chiefs play the Minnesota Vikings.

Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy already is getting Swift questions. He’s grown up hearing Swift and her unprecedented rise to superstardom, but he’s planning on making things tough for Kelce if she comes.

“Oh man, the social media is going crazy,” Murphy said, via ESPN. “And I’m not hating against it. That’s the world we’re living in. Is she going to come to this game? We’re locked in, but that would be something. I’ve been watching her since I was a kid. That would be cool, for sure.

“Not for him, because we’re going to try to get our hands on him in front of her.”

Murphy said he’s going to challenge Kelce when he lines up against him, which may not be the best idea.

“I’m going to say something to him to get him going,” Murphy said.

Kelce and the Chiefs haven’t been affected by Swift’s presence yet. Kelce has 13 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown in the two games Swift has attended, and the Chiefs have won both games.

The Swift questions appear to be done within the Chiefs locker room, but plenty of visiting teams will be getting them as long as she’s around. Murphy certainly didn’t take the high road.

Steelers’ Pat Freiermuth expected to miss 2-3 weeks with hamstring injury, per report

Kenny Pickett isn’t the only Steelers starter who is slated to miss Pittsburgh’s upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens. Tight end Pat Freiermuth is expected to be out 2-3 weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury during Sunday’s 30-6 loss to the Texans, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Per the report, Freiermuth may only miss one game, as the Steelers have a bye week following Sunday’s game against Baltimore. The Steelers will then travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams in Week 7.

A third-year veteran, Freiermuth has just eight catches on 13 targets this season. He does have two touchdowns, however, including his game-winning score in Pittsburgh’s Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Freiermuth is actually responsible for half of the Steelers’ offensive touchdowns this season.

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With Freiermuth out, second-year veteran Connor Heyward and rookie Darnell Washington will likely see increased roles within the offense. Heyward and Washington have caught just three passes between them through four games.

Along with Freiermuth, Pittsburgh is also dealing with injuries to Pickett, offensive linemen Dan Moore Jr. and James Daniels and punter Pressley Harvin III. Regarding Pickett, the Steelers’ starting quarterback is reportedly dealing with a bone bruise that may keep him out of Sunday’s home game against Baltimore. Veteran Mitch Trubisky would start if Pickett can’t go. Trubisky threw for 276 yards with a touchdown and three picks in Pittsburgh’s 16-14 loss to Baltimore last season.

The Steelers’ offense has been under intense scrutiny this season. Through four games, the Steelers’ offense currently ranks 25th in the NFL in scoring and passing, 29th in rushing, 22nd on third-down efficiency and 28th in the red zone.

Seahawks’ Geno Smith returns from knee injury vs. Giants after exiting for Drew Lock in first half

The Seahawks struck first on Monday night against the Giants, with Geno Smith finding DK Metcalf for the game’s first touchdown. Then they avoided a long-term injury scare later in the first half, with Smith hurting his knee on a sideline tackle after catching his own deflected pass. Backup quarterback Drew Lock took over with three minutes left in the second quarter, but Smith returned to the lineup after halftime, despite being carted from the sidelines to the locker room for further evaluation.

The Seahawks had officially ruled Smith questionable to return after his exit. Smith had attempted a short pass over the middle with 10:07 left in the first half, only for Giants defensive lineman D.J. Davidson to knock the ball into the air — and back into Smith’s arms. Linebacker Isaiah Simmons then chased Smith down toward the sideline, eventually dragging the QB to the ground. After spending an extra moment seated, Smith showed a limp as he walked, then returned to the Giants sideline to bark frustration at the opposing team.

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Smith stayed on the field for the ensuing play, then threw his helmet in added frustration as he returned to his own sidelines on fourth down. Lock, who did not take a single snap as Seattle’s No. 2 QB in 2022, began warming up during the play immediately following the apparent injury, while Smith paced around the sidelines before receiving trainers’ attention in the Seahawks’ medical tent.

Lock started 21 games during a three-year stint with the Broncos to start his NFL career, joining Seattle as part of the Seahawks’ trade of Russell Wilson to Denver ahead of the 2022 season. He went 2 of 5 for 63 yards, guiding a touchdown drive, in Smith’s absence.