Cleveland, OH
This Connection Could Influence Cavaliers Coaching Search, Per Report
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ coaching search took a turn late last week with reports that Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson was “gaining steam” to become the next head coach of the Wine and Gold. This came as a shock to some as New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego was viewed as the front-runner just a week ago.
An old connection between the Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert and future Hall of Fame Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo may be the reason for this change in narrative, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
“Potentially boosting Atkinson’s chances: Legendary Michigan State coach Tom Izzo is said to be an Atkinson fan,” Stein wrote on his ‘The Stein Line’ Substack. “Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, of course, is a well-known Izzo fan who graduated from Michigan State and is said to have resumed significant involvement in team affairs compared to recent years.”
There was chatter after the Cavaliers dismissed J.B. Bickerstaff that Gilbert may have an influence on who becomes the next head coach so seeing this potential impact come to fruition is not completely unexpected.
It’s also important to note that Atkinson has other connections to the Cavs such as Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen who he coached when they were all with the Brooklyn Nets a few years back.
While momentum may be building for Atkinson to be chosen for the position, Stein also reports that Borrego and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori are also still in contention as Cleveland’s front office continues to mull over arguably the biggest decision of the offseason.
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets prediction, pick for Sunday 3/1/26
Cooper Albers takes you through his preview, prediction and pick for Sunday’s NBA matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets.
Eastern Conference rivals close their regular-season series on Sunday, as the Brooklyn Nets host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center.
The Cavaliers (37–24, 4th East) have dropped back-to-back games without Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, albeit against far superior competition. They’ll aim for the three-game sweep of Brooklyn without Mitchell, while Harden remains questionable.
The Nets (15–44, 14th East) are mired in a brutal seven-game losing streak, including a 112–84 thumping in Cleveland on February 19.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Out: Donovan Mitchell (Groin), Max Strus (Foot), Dean Wade (Ankle)
- Questionable: James Harden (Thumb), Keon Ellis (Finger)
Brooklyn Nets
- Out: Egor Demin (Heel), Drake Powell (G-League Assignment)
- Questionable: Nic Claxton (Thumb)
Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Cleveland enters as a hefty 11.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Brooklyn sits as a +410 underdog. The game’s total is set at 222.5 points.
Cavaliers vs. Nets Preview
Cleveland Cavaliers Preview
The Cavaliers went all in at the NBA trade deadline, sending Darius Garland to Los Angeles for superstar guard James Harden. The gamble seemingly paid off, as the former MVP has fit seamlessly into the lineup alongside Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland went 6–1 after Harden’s debut, its lone loss coming against the defending champs in Oklahoma City.
But the momentum quickly stalled when both Harden and Mitchell hit the sidelines to nurse injuries. Cleveland has dropped back-to-back games in the star duo’s absence against Milwaukee and Detroit. And while Harden is listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest with a thumb fracture in his non-shooting hand, Mitchell remains out with a groin strain.
The Cavs are just 2–4 without Mitchell this season. If Harden stays out, they’ll likely keep relying on their accomplished frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Cleveland also features a solid veteran backup point guard in Dennis Schroder, along with a reliable sharpshooter in Sam Merrill.
Brooklyn Nets Preview
Brooklyn has won five games in 2026. Five.
Were any of these wins particularly impressive? Hardly. They beat a Nikola Jokic-less Denver Nuggets, the spiraling Chicago Bulls twice, the lowly Washington Wizards, and the tanking Utah Jazz.
The Nets rank dead last on both ends of the floor since January 1, disappointing even by their standards. They’ve lost seven games in a row, punctuated by a 37-point walloping in Boston on Friday night.
Michael Porter Jr. will continue trying to carry an increasingly strained offense without rookie standout Egor Demin. Brooklyn will also lean on its burgeoning frontcourt, comprising Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton (questionable).
Cavaliers vs. Nets Pick, Best Bet
Keep an eye on the injury report for this one. If Harden remains sidelined, Cleveland may lack the offensive firepower to pull away. But if the former MVP suits up, expect him and the Cavs to carve up Brooklyn’s porous defense and comfortably cover the 11.5-point spread.
Best Bet: Cleveland Cavaliers -11.5 (-110)
Cleveland, OH
14-year-old girl shot on Cleveland’s East Side
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A 14-year-old girl is in critical condition after being shot at a home Friday.
Police said around 7:15 p.m., officers from the Fifth District got a call for someone shot in the 1400 block of Lakeview Road.
When officers got on scene, a 14-year-old girl was found suffering from a gunshot wound.
Cleveland EMS took her to a nearby hospital, where she is listed in critical condition
A gun was recovered at the scene.
The incident remains under active investigation.
Police said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Cleveland, OH
Sokolowski’s University Inn co-owner dies
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Former co-owner of the legendary Cleveland restaurant Sokolowski’s University Inn has died.
65-year-old Michael Sokolowski passed away on Tuesday, according to his obituary.
Established in Tremont in 1923, Sokolowski’s University Inn was Cleveland’s oldest family-owned and operated restaurant. It was a recipient of the prestigious James Beard “American Classics” Award in 2014. It closed it doors for good in 2020.
Read Obit below
MICHAEL PAUL SOKOLOWSKI, age 65; passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee McCue); loving father of George McDougall (Erika) and Sara; grandfather of Nicole and Emerson; Son of the late Bernard Sr. and Marion (nee Szwejkowski); dear brother of Bernard Jr. (Mary) and Mary Lou Balbier (Ronald); loving brother-in-law, uncle and dear friend of many. Mike was the co-owner of Sokolowski’s University Inn, a Cleveland landmark restaurant since 1923 and a James Beard Award winner. He played baseball and football for Cleveland Central Catholic and graduated from Otterbein University. Michael was a member of the Greater Cleveland Umpire Association, officiating many Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camps. He loved cooking and taught classes at the Polaris Career Center for their community culinary arts program. Mike loved music, attending many concerts, and playing drums in bands and for his parish church masses. Former President of the Cleveland Society of Poles and a member of the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cleveland Central Catholic High School, 6550 Baxter Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105.
Mass of Christian burial at St. John Cantius Catholic Church, 906 College Ave, Cleveland, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12 noon. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at the church, Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 noon.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
-
World4 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts4 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Montana1 week ago2026 MHSA Montana Wrestling State Championship Brackets And Results – FloWrestling
-
Denver, CO4 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Louisiana7 days agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Technology1 week agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Technology1 week agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making
-
Politics1 week agoOpenAI didn’t contact police despite employees flagging mass shooter’s concerning chatbot interactions: REPORT