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Miami Heat reportedly will waive Terry Rozier before start of playoffs

Terry Rozier has not set foot on a court for the Miami Heat this season after being arrested and charged as part of a federal investigation into an illegal gambling scheme.

That said, he has remained on the Heat roster. That is about to change, reports Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.

"The Heat is expected to waive Rozier before the end of the regular season to open a roster spot to add a player for depth in the postseason."

Miami had kept Rozier on the roster — listing him as "away from the team" — in part because his expiring $26.6 million contract could have been a valuable trade chip in a larger deal at the trade deadline. Nothing like that developed, but with the Heat depth being so strong and the team playing well of late, there was no urgency to release him for the roster spot. (Rozier's salary for this season was originally held in escrow, however, he won a case, with an arbitrator ruling that he should be paid his contract for this season.)

Miami has a full 15-man roster, plus three two-way players. Waiving Rozier opens up a spot, although the Heat are in no rush to do that, reports Chiang. With the team finally close to fully healthy, they don't have the minutes to go around to the players they already have, so the Heat can be patient. If an injury occurs, then they can move to help fill that gap. If not, they can make whatever move seems best in the final days of the season. That could include converting one of their two-way players into a standard contract (making him playoff eligible).

Rozier has pled not guilty to the gambling charges and his case is working its way through the court system.

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March Madness bracket: Who is in NCAA Tournament second round? Schedule update

Be sure to follow USA TODAY Sports' live blog keeping track of all of NCAA Tournament's Day 1 games.

The ball has been tipped. Now it's all about survive and advance.

March Madness' first round kicked off Thursday, March 19 with day one of the first round, arguably one of the best days in sports as teams start their quest to the Final Four, with sprinkles of upsets in between. Thirty-two teams will play on the loaded docket, and only 16 will be playing another game, advancing to play in the second round on Saturday, March 21.

What March Madness games are tomorrow? See Friday first round schedule

So who lives another day? Keep tabs on the teams that win in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament here, as well as an updated look at the bracket:

Who advanced in March Madness bracket to NCAA Tournament second round?

List updated as of 2:50 p.m. ET

March Madness bracket 2026 second round schedule

Saturday, March 21

  • No. 9 TCU vs. No. 1 Duke/No. 16 Siena winner
  • No. 4 Nebraska vs. No. 5 Vanderbilt/No. 12 McNeese winner
  • No. 12 High Point vs. No. 4 Arkansas/No. 13 Hawai'i winner
  • No. 6 Louisville vs. No. 3 Michigan/No. 14 North Dakota State winner

This section will be updated

Sunday, March 22 (Second round)

This section will be updated

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness bracket live: Who is in NCAA second round, schedule update

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Pistons vs Wizards Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The Detroit Pistons will look to complete a two-game series sweep as they visit the Washington Wizards for the second time this week.

Washington has kept it close with Detroit in each of their meetings this season, and I’m taking the home team to cover again in my Pistons vs. Wizards predictions and NBA picks below.

Pistons vs Wizards prediction

Pistons vs Wizards best bet: Wizards +14 (-115)

The Washington Wizards have now lost 13 games in a row, but they’re at least hanging in games lately. They’ve covered in three of their last four contests, beating the number in all three games where they were underdogs by 14+ points.

Washington is averaging 118.8 ppg over its last five games, an offensive spark that has kept it close to opponents.

The Wizards have covered in all three games against the Detroit Pistons this year — even winning one outright — while Detroit is 2-7 ATS in its last nine. All these trends point towards the home team keeping it close enough.

Pistons vs Wizards same-game parlay

The lowest total in any of the three previous meetings has been 243 points, and I’m confident they'll find a way to hit the Over again tonight.

To round out my SGP, I’m taking Detroit center Jalen Duren to pick up a double-double, as he’s averaging 19 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, and has recorded a double-double in each of his last four contests.

Pistons vs Wizards SGP

  • Wizards +14
  • Over 231.5
  • Jalen Duren to record a double-double

Our "from downtown" SGP: All in on Tobias!

For a longshot parlay tonight, let’s focus on Pistons forward Tobias Harris to hit some prop totals, as there should be plenty of opportunity to fill the stat sheet on both sides in a high-scoring game.

Harris has gone Over 21.5 PRA in each of his last three games, picked up two blocks in the last meeting against the Wizards, and has hit at least threes in two of his last three outings.

Pistons vs Wizards SGP

  • Over 231.5
  • Tobias Harris Over 21.5 points + rebounds + assists
  • Tobias Harris Over 0.5 blocks
  • Tobias Harris Over 1.5 threes

Pistons vs Wizards odds

  • Spread: Pistons -14 | Wizards +14
  • Moneyline: Pistons -1000 | Wizards +650
  • Over/Under: Over 231.5 | Under 231.5

Pistons vs Wizards betting trend to know

The Wizards are 3-0 ATS against the Pistons this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Wizards.

How to watch Pistons vs Wizards

LocationCapital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
DateThursday, March 19, 2026
Tip-off7:00 p.m. ET
TVFDSN Detroit, Monumental SN

Pistons vs Wizards latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
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Lakers vs Heat Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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LeBron James has found the fountain of youth as the Los Angeles Lakers have won seven games in a row heading into tonight’s matchup against his former team, the Miami Heat.

Having a red-hot Luka Doncic sure helps, but they have eight straight playing their second game in as many night?

My Lakers vs. Heat predictions and NBA picks explain why Luka and LeBron won’t slow down in this matchup set to tip off at 8 pm ET at the Kaseya Center in Miami, on Thursday, March 19.

Lakers vs Heat prediction

Lakers vs Heat best bet: Lakers +3.5 (-115)

LeBron James and Luka Doncic have been cooking and are a big reason why the Los Angeles Lakers are 7-0 SU/ATS in their last seven and 10-1 SU/ATS in their last 11 overall.

The Lakers lead the NBA in field goal percentage and rank sixth in offensive rating during this seven-game winning streak, and they’re likely to get some shots up against the Miami Heat.

The Heat play at the highest pace in the NBA and allow the third-most opponent field goal attempts per game. Miami’s defense is solid, but if you let shooters shoot, they probably won’t miss.

Lakers vs Heat same-game parlay

With Miami allowing all those shots, it inherently means a lot of rebounds. They allow the second-most opponent rebounds per game. Luka has been putting in a lot of work on the boards lately, averaging 9.4 rebounds over his last nine games, going Over this number of 8.5 seven times during that stretch. 

The second half of a back-to-back might mean LeBron will be a little more likely to be a facilitator tonight. So, let’s add Over 6.5 assists to this same-game parlay.

Lakers vs Heat SGP

  • Lakers +3.5
  • Luka Doncic Over 8.5 rebounds
  • LeBron James Over 6.5 assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: Stars shine bright

This game should be high-paced and feature a lot of back-and-forth action, so let's sit back and watch the big names get some buckets. 

Lakers vs Heat SGP

  • Luka Doncic Over 31.5 points
  • LeBron James Over 18.5 points
  • Bam Adebayo Over 20.5 points
  • Tyler Herro Over 20.5 points

Lakers vs Heat odds

  • Spread: Lakers +3.5 | Heat -3.5
  • Moneyline: Lakers +135 | Heat -160
  • Over/Under: Over 242.5 | Under 242.5

Lakers vs Heat betting trend to know

The Lakers have covered the spread in 10 of their last 11 games overall, including the last seven in a row. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Heat.

How to watch Lakers vs Heat

LocationKaseya Center, Miami, FL
DateThursday, March 19, 2026
Tip-off8:00 p.m. ET
TVSpectrum SportsNet, FDSN Sun

Lakers vs Heat latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Why isn't Caleb Wilson playing for North Carolina? UNC star out for March Madness

North Carolina star Caleb Wilson was outstanding for the Tar Heels this season and will hear his name called very early in the 2026 NBA Draft. Unfortunately for the program, an injury ended his season prematurely and he won't be available for the NCAA Tournament.

North Carolina's March Madness path won't be easy, either. It opens the big dance against No. 11 seed VCU, winners of 16 of its last 17 games and the A-10 Conference Championship.

REQUIRED READING: UNC basketball's Caleb Wilson experiencing 'way more highs than lows' despite injury

The 6-foot-10 former five-star recruit averaged 19.8 points with 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game on 57.8% shooting in 24 games to start this college career. He scored 23 points in North Carolina's upset win over archrival Duke in February, which also happened to be his last full game before he was injured.

Wilson is in the top tier of NBA prospects for this year's draft, along with BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Kansas' Darryn Peterson and Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr., among potential others. He's also set for his No. 8 jersey to hang in the rafters next season, joining Tyler Hansbrough as the only true freshmen to earn the honor at North Carolina.

Here's what to know of Wilson's injury and why he's missing the entire NCAA Tournament:

Why isn't Caleb Wilson playing for North Carolina?

North Carolina announced March 5 that Wilson broke his right thumb in practice while preparing for his return from another injury that sidelined him for nearly a month during the regular season. Wilson broke a bone in his left hand against Miami on Feb. 10 and was aiming for a return vs. Duke in the regular season finale before breaking his right thumb.

"I didn't know right away," Wilson told reporters March 18 before UNC's game against VCU in the NCAA Tournament. "It hurt a lot, and things usually don't hurt that much. I just went and got x-rays and found out."

The injury was severe enough to end the rest of Wilson's true freshman season. It was a devastating blow to North Carolina's March Madness chances, especially as he was nearing a return from his previous injury.

Caleb Wilson stats

Here's a look at Wilson's per-game averages in 2025-26:

  • 2025-26: 19.8 points with 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game on 57.8% shooting. 1.4 blocks and 1.5 steals per game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why isn't Caleb Wilson playing for North Carolina? UNC star out

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LeBron James says he has no interest in owning an NBA team in Las Vegas

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a basket against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images

No one, not even LeBron James, knows whether he’ll play basketball next year or not. But one thing he has consistently said is that he’d be interested in owning an NBA team at some point, specifically in Las Vegas.

He said this from the moment he joined the Lakers back in 2018 and LeBron asked NBA commissioner Adam Silver about the league expanding to Vegas back in 2022.

With the NBA’s Board of Governors set to vote on adding expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle this March, it appeared the table was set for LeBron to accomplish his goal.

However, things can change.

After the Lakers’ win over the Rockets on Wednesday, he was asked whether he was still interested in owning a team and his tone has completely flipped.

This is a big change of heart from James. He has consistently expressed interests, so why the sudden change?

While LeBron has no ownership in an NBA team, he does own a part of the historic football club Liverpool. That investment has been a slam dunk for the king, and owning an NBA team, even at a low percentage, has proven to be a hot commodity.

Could the $7-$10 billion price range be too rich for him to get involved, even as a minority owner?

According to a report by Joe Vardon and Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, the Fenway Sports Group, which James has been involved with since 2011, does not plan on pursuing a bid for the potential Las Vegas NBA team. In the article, the estimated cost of an NBA expansion team was stated as one of the reasons they are not pursuing a bid.

If James’ partners are out, then maybe that’s why he is no longer enthused about NBA ownership in Sin City.

And who knows, maybe he changes his mind again, or the ownership group that wins the bid convinces him to come along.

This story is far from over, but as things stand, whenever Las Vegas begins playing in the NBA, LeBron looks more likely to be playing against them than to be seated in a suite as the team’s owner.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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NHL Player Props & Best Bets for Today, March 19: Sorokin Stymies the Sens

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It’s a busy night on the ice on Thursday, March 19, and I’ve got a trio of NHL player props to cover you for all the action.

My top NHL picks feature three Russian standouts and are headlined by New York Islanders star netminder Ilya Sorokin.

Best NHL player prop bets today

PlayerBet99
Islanders Sorokin Over 25.5 saves-115
Golden Knights Dorofeyev Over 2.5 shots-130
Lightning Kucherov Over 1.5 points-120

img alt="Get a first bet encore up to $800 with the BET99 promo code COVERSNHL" width="100%" loading="lazy" src="https://img.covers.com/promo-articles/bet99nhlcreative2526.jpeg"Get a first bet encore up to $800 with BET99 bonus code COVERSNHL.
(not available in Ontario)

Our best NHL player props for Thursday, March 19

Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.

Prop #1: Ilya Sorokin Over 25.5 saves

-115 at BET99

New York Islanders star Ilya Sorokin is building a Vezina Trophy case with a rock-solid .914 save percentage and league-high 51.5 goals saved above expected, and he’s set to see plenty of rubber against the Ottawa Senators.

The Sens have averaged 30.1 shots per game while ranking fourth in Corsi For percentage during their active 11-3-2 run.

  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: MSGSN, TSN5

Prop #2: Pavel Dorofeyev Over 2.5 shots

-130 at BET99

Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev has picked up three or more shots in nine of 11 games out of the Olympic break. His 11.45 shots per 60 minutes during the run also rank 11th in the league.

Although the matchup is tough against the Utah Mammoth, it’s more than built into this price, and I also value Vegas having the last-change advantage on home ice to find favorable opportunities for Dorofeyev and linemates Tomas Hertl and Mitch Marner.

  • Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: ESPN+, Sportsnet+

Prop #3: Nikita Kucherov Over 1.5 points

-120 at BET99

The Vancouver Canucks have allowed the second-most goals per game (3.8) out of the Olympic break, and Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov is on an all-time heater with 30 multi-point showings across his past 44 games.

Kucherov is up to 6.25 points per 60 minutes during the run, and to further put the dominance in perspective, only Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have a higher points per 60 mark than Kucherov’s 4.35 assists per 60 minutes.

  • Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: ESPN+, Sportsnet Pacific

These props are available now at BET99, one of our best betting sites.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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Canadiens vs Red Wings Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

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The Montreal Canadiens will meet the Detroit Red Wings in a monumental Atlantic Division matchup on Thursday, March 19. This marks the third meeting between these teams this season after they split the first two.

My Canadiens vs. Red Wings predictions and NHL picks suggest that Habs fans will go home happy, with Nick Suzuki finding the stat sheet yet again.

Canadiens vs Red Wings prediction

Canadiens vs Red Wings best bet: Nick Suzuki 1+ assists (-155)

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki paces the team in points (80) and has been riding an extra-generous streak as of late. He's posted back-to-back multi-point outings and has nine assists in his last nine games.

He's averaging 0.89 assists per game in 2026, and has two in two games against the Detroit Red Wings this season.

Furthermore, he has 22 assists in his last 22 games overall, and 10 in his last eight against Atlantic Division opponents.

Canadiens vs Red Wings same-game parlay

The winger Suzki's grown accustomed to feeding is Cole Caufield, who is on an absolute tear. He has scored in three straight games and has more goals than any other player in 2026.

He just became the first Canadien to score 40 goals in a season in over three decades, and will now make a push for the half-century mark. Both he and Suzuki have benefited from Juraj Slafkovsky's return to the top line in place of Kirby Dach, who will rehab yet another injury.

Montreal has won four of the last six against Detroit and sport an impressive 18-7-8 record on the road. They're fresh off a massive divisional win in overtime against the Boston Bruins, where all three of these legs hit in one play in the final minute of overtime.

Canadiens vs Red Wings SGP

  • Nick Suzuki 1+ assists
  • Cole Caufield anytime goal
  • Canadiens moneyline

Canadiens vs Red Wings odds

  • Moneyline: Canadiens -110 | Red Wings -110
  • Puck Line: Canadiens -1.5 (+215) | Red Wings +1.5 (-270)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+110) | Under 6.5 (-130)

Canadiens vs Red Wings trend

Montreal has won four of the last six against Detroit. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Red Wings.

How to watch Canadiens vs Red Wings

LocationLittle Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
DateThursday, March 19, 2026
Puck drop7:00 p.m. ET
TVTSN2

Canadiens vs Red Wings latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Rays' Taylor Walls to start season on injured list because of oblique problem

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Taylor Walls will open the season on the injured list because of his right oblique.

Walls, 29, batted .220 with a .280 on-base percentage, four homers, 38 RBIs and 14 steals in 101 games for the Rays last season.

His injury creates the possibility that prospect Carson Williams could make Tampa Bay’s opening roster.

Williams, 22, hit .172 with a .219 on-base percentage, five homers, 12 RBIs and two steals in 32 games with Tampa Bay last season. He batted .213 with a .318 on-base percentage, 23 homers, 55 RBIs and 22 steals in 111 games for Triple-A Durham.

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Blue Jays' Trey Yesavage to open season on injured list due to shoulder impingement

DUNEDIN, Fla — Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage will start the season on the injured list due to impingement of the rookie right-hander’s throwing shoulder.

“It’s something that he reported to camp with and obviously led to his slow build-up as well,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters. “Right now, (he’s) feeling good. He’s in a better place now to kind of continue to ramp up, so he’s going to kind of continue on the program he’s been on.”

Schneider said there is no definitive timeline for Yesavage’s return.

This is the latest setback in the reigning American League champions’ rotation. Schneider announced that right-hander José Berríos wouldn’t be ready for the opening day because of a stress fracture in his right elbow.

Yesavage, 22, made his big league debut on Sept. 15 and went 1-0 with a 3.21 ERA in three regular-season games, then had a major role in Toronto’s playoff run.

He went 3-1 with a 3.58 ERA in six playoff appearances, including five starts. He struck out 39 batters in 27 2/3 postseason innings.

Yesavage recorded 11 strikeouts while allowing one walk and no hits in 5 1/3 innings to earn the win in the Blue Jays’ 13-7 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the AL Division Series. He struck out 12 and allowed three hits and one run over seven innings when Toronto beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-1 in Game 5 of the World Series, then relieved in Game 7 and allowed Max Muncy’s eighth-inning solo homer that cut the Dodgers’ deficit to 4-3. Los Angeles went on to win in 11 innings.

Yesavage’s rookie status remains intact as he enters this season.

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LeBron James pivots, says he is 'not at all' interested in owning NBA team

Four years ago, LeBron James was unequivocal, saying on his own podcast that he wanted to be an NBA owner when he retired: "I want to buy a team, for sure... I want a team in Vegas. I want the team in Vegas."

Times change and minds change. With an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas looking more and more like a reality, LeBron was equally unequivocal Wednesday night, saying he is “Not at all” interested in owning an NBA team.

LeBron is an investor and partner in the Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox and English Premier League soccer powerhouse Liverpool, among other holdings. That group is not interested in bidding for an NBA team in Las Vegas, reports Joe Vardon and Mike Vorkunov at The Athletic. It is put off by the reported at least $7 billion expansion rights fee the league is seeking from each new team. If Fenway is out, LeBron would have to find other financial backers to make that kind of bid, and it doesn't sound like he is interested.

The CBA also prohibits an active NBA player from owning a team, and on a night LeBron dropped 30 points on the Rockets on 13-of-14 shooting, he didn't look like someone ready to retire.

LeBron will be a free agent at the end of this season, at age 41, and has said he is undecided about his future. The expectation in league circles is that he will play one more season, although likely with another team rather than the Lakers. That timeline would prevent him from being in on the ground floor of any NBA team in Las Vegas.

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Jurickson Profar’s appeal of PED test result fails and he will miss entire 2026 season

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Jurickson Profar #7 of the Atlanta Braves gets called out by umpire Brock Ballou on a pitch timer violation in the eighth inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park on September 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Earlier this month, Jurickson Profar shocked the baseball world with his incredibly foolish decision to take Performance-Enhancing Drugs the year after he had been suspended for 80 games in the past. Upon failing another test, Major League Baseball suspended Profar for the entirety of the 2026 regular season and Postseason.

However, the MLBPA did their due dilligence and launched an appeal and grievance on Profar’s behalf. While this was always a longshot, the hope was that the suspension could be reduced so that Profar could at least make some money from playing in games this season since PED suspensions are unpaid. Unfortunately for Profar, the appeal didn’t work. Jeff Passan of ESPN is reporting that the situation has been “resolved” and the result is that the suspension has been upheld and that Profar is officially done for 2026.

I can’t imagine that anybody is surprised by this turn of events. As I mentioned earlier when the suspension was initially announced, these types of appeals don’t usually go anywhere in terms of any substantial overturns. This was simply MLBPA doing what they could to support a union member — whether that union member made an incredibly dumb mistake or not. It was always very unlikely that Profar would get this overturned since MLB usually does a solid job of proving intent whenever this turns into an investigation.

The main thing that’ll come of this latest development is that the Braves now know that they’ll have $18 million to play with. Whether they use that now on another free agent who’s still available or wait until the trade deadline to use for any potential deals remains to be seen. For now, we now know officially that Profar won’t be on the field for a single pitch of this upcoming season and I’d imagine that it’s an open question as to whether or not Profar will put on a Braves uniform ever again. We’ll see what happens but we won’t be seeing Profar during the 2026 season, for sure.

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Konnor Griffin, Trey Yesavage and JJ Wetherholt among MLB’s most intriguing rookies

CHICAGO — Nick Kurtz and Drake Baldwin made a smooth transition to the major leagues last season. Kurtz was rewarded with the AL Rookie of the Year award, and Baldwin took home the NL honor.

Here is a closer look at a group of rookies looking to have a similar impact this year:

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Konnor Griffin

Widely regarded as the majors’ top prospect, Griffin could make a push for Pittsburgh’s second NL Rookie of the Year award in three seasons after Paul Skenes won in 2024. Griffin, a Mississippi native who turns 20 on April 24, hit .333 with 21 homers, 94 RBIs and 65 steals over three minor league stops last year. The shortstop was taken by the Pirates with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 amateur draft.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage

Yesavage, a 6-foot-4 right-hander with an unusual arm slot, helped Toronto reach the World Series in 2025. He went 3-1 with a 3.58 ERA in six postseason appearances, striking out 39 and walking 11 in 27 2/3 innings. Yesavage began last season at Class A Dunedin and posted a 5-1 record with a 3.12 ERA over four minor league stops before making his Blue Jays debut on Sept. 15.

St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt

St. Louis is working on a rare rebuild for the franchise, and Wetherholt’s development is worth watching in terms of how long it might last. The 23-year-old infielder played college ball for West Virginia before he was selected by the Cardinals with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 amateur draft. He batted .306 with 17 homers, 59 RBIs and 23 steals over two minor league stops last year, finishing the season with Triple-A Memphis.

Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle

The 21-year-old McGonigle was taken by Detroit with the No. 37 pick in the 2023 amateur draft. The shortstop batted .305 with 19 homers, 80 RBIs and 10 steals in 88 games over three minor league stops last year. He could play a major role for a Tigers team looking to contend for the AL Central title.

New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean

McLean was terrific in his first stint with New York last year, going 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA in eight starts. The 6-foot-2 right-hander, a third-round pick in the 2023 amateur draft out of Oklahoma State University, also struck out 57 in 48 innings. He is expected to be a key member of New York’s rotation this season as the Mets try to rebound from a tough finish last year.

Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo

Baltimore has quite the catching tandem with Adley Rutschman and Basallo, who made his major league debut in August. Basallo batted just .165 with four homers in 31 games with the Orioles, but he hit .270 with 23 homers and 67 RBIs in 76 games with Triple-A Norfolk. Rutschman remains the No. 1 catcher, but the 21-year-old Basallo also will see time at first base and designated hitter.

Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart

Stewart, 22, made his major league debut on Sept. 1 after hitting .315 with 10 homers and 36 RBIs in 38 games with Triple-A Louisville. The sweet-swinging Miami native batted .255 with five homers and eight RBIs in 18 games with the Reds. He can play second and third base, but first base and DH figure to be his primary spots this year with Cincy.

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter

DeLauter has been one of Cleveland’s top prospects since he was the 16th overall pick in the 2022 amateur draft. But he was slowed by injuries the past two seasons, including core muscle and right wrist surgeries last year. He made his major league debut in Game 2 of the Guardians’ AL Wild Card Series against Detroit on Oct. 1.

Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai

The Japanese right-hander agreed to a $54 million, three-year contract with the Astros in January. He moves into Houston’s rotation after going 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA last season for the Pacific League’s Seibu Lions, striking out 178 in 163 2/3 innings. The three-time All-Star in Japan was 58-45 with a 3.15 ERA in eight seasons with Seibu.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford

Crawford, 22, takes over in center field for Philadelphia in his first big league opportunity. The speedy Crawford, a first-round pick in the 2022 amateur draft, hit .334 with seven homers and 47 RBIs in 112 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley last year. He also had 46 steals and a .411 on-base percentage.

Chicago White Sox infielder Munetaka Murakami

The rebuilding project on Chicago’s South Side got an unexpected boost when Murakami signed a $34 million, two-year contract with the White Sox in December. The 26-year-old slugger was the MVP of Japan’s Central League in 2021 and ’22. He batted .273 with 22 homers and 47 RBIs last season, when he was limited to 56 games because of an oblique injury.

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Pistons' Title Odds, Cunningham's MVP Chances Plummet After Lung Injury

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The Detroit Pistons' odds to win the Eastern Conference and NBA Finals took a major hit after Cade Cunningham was revealed to have suffered a collapsed lung.

Cunningham is also off the board in the NBA MVP market at several top sportsbooks, while he sits at less than a 1% chance to win the award at Kalshi.

Key Takeaways

  • Cunningham exited after five minutes of action after diving for a loose ball Tuesday.

  • Recent players who sustained a collapsed lung missed an average of 10.8 games.

  • The league’s CBA requires Cunningham to miss no more than 10 more games to be eligible for end-of-season awards.

Cunningham will be sidelined for an extended period, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Thursday. He played five minutes Tuesday against the Washington Wizards before leaving with what was initially called back spasms.

The Pistons lead the East with a record of 49-19, three-and-a-half games ahead of the Boston Celtics. Oddsmakers had still preferred Boston in the race to reach and win the NBA Finals, but Detroit’s indefinite loss of its star player set it back even further.

DraftKings dropped the Pistons from +2,000 to +2,500 in NBA title odds after the injury was announced. Although they remain seventh in the odds ladder, they’re down to a 3.9% implied chance to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy this summer.

The Pistons also lengthened from +400 to +700 to win the East, dropping from a 20% to 12.5% probability. That puts them behind the Celtics (+145), Cleveland Cavaliers (+330), and New York Knicks (+370).

Cunningham will be re-evaluated on April 2, the day the Pistons host the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

There will be five more opportunities after that to get on the court before the postseason begins.

Cunningham out of MVP consideration?

Cunningham had been leading one of the most impressive franchise turnarounds over the last two seasons, taking the Pistons from 14-68 and the worst record in the league in 2023-24, to a sixth-place finish and playoff appearance in 2024-25, to the best record in the conference this season.

The 24-year-old is averaging 24.5 points (13th), 9.9 assists (second), and 5.6 rebounds in 34.4 minutes per game. 

Despite his excellence, the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement may leave him ineligible for the league’s highest individual honor.

Written to disincentivize tanking, the CBA mandates players must make at least 65 appearances, including 63 appearances of at least 20 minutes, during the 82-game regular season to be eligible for awards. That includes MVP and All-NBA spots. 

With 61 games under his belt, Cunningham won’t have a chance to win the award if he can’t get back on the court by April 6. He’s been viewed as a top-five contender in NBA MVP odds for the majority of the season, but as mentioned above, he’s off the board at most online sportsbooks.

According to Yahoo Sports' Kevin O’Connor, recent players who sustained a collapsed lungs include:

  • CJ McCollum (2023): 12 missed games in three-and-a-half weeks
  • CJ McCollum (2021): 18 missed games in six weeks
  • Terrence Jones (2015): Six missed games in two weeks
  • Gerald Wallace (2009): Seven missed games in three weeks

If Cunningham misses the average number of contests (about 11) between the above players, he will come up one short of the 64-game minimum.

Playoff impact

If the Pistons can maintain their position atop the East, they would match up with the lowest-seeded team remaining after the play-in tournament.

The Pistons have a winning record against three of the four teams currently projected to participate in the play-in. The Miami Heat are the exception, winning two of their three encounters.

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Shohei Ohtani throws 4 1/3 scoreless innings in spring debut on mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Shohei Ohtani reached back for the heater and found it, blazing a 99-mph fastball past Willy Adames for his first strikeout of the afternoon.

For a guy who hasn’t spent much time on the mound over the past 2 1/2 years, he didn't seem remotely rusty.

The Japanese two-way star was in top form during his spring training debut on the mound, giving up one hit, two walks and a hit by pitch while striking out four over 4 1/3 scoreless innings against the San Francisco Giants.

He threw 61 pitches, including 34 strikes.

“The stuff was really good — it’s going to get more crisp as he gets out there and gets regular pitching,” manager Dave Roberts said. “But, man, it was really good. He knows he only has a couple outings before the start of the season, so he was focused. To have him touch the fifth inning was a huge win for us.”

Ohtani was unfazed by record-hot conditions in Arizona, needing just five pitches to breeze through the first inning as temperatures pushed 100 degrees at Camelback Ranch. In the second, he gave up a leadoff double to Heliot Ramos before retiring three straight, including Adames and Will Brennan on strikeouts.

“I was pretty happy with the pitch count today,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “In terms of the next outing, I do want to be better at executing on two-strike counts. I just didn’t finish off hitters as much as I wanted.”

Ohtani threw some live batting practice sessions in Arizona with the Dodgers before joining Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic in early March. The four-time Most Valuable Player didn’t pitch in the WBC — playing solely as a designated hitter — but did throw off the mound in bullpen sessions.

This was his first time on the mound in a competitive setting since Game 7 of the World Series on Nov. 1.

Roberts said he expects Ohtani will get one more preseason start next week before the regular season starts on March 26.

Ohtani hopes to get through his first full season on the mound since 2022, when he 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA in 28 starts for the Los Angeles Angels. He injured his elbow late in the 2023 season which caused him to miss all of 2024 on the mound.

Ohtani returned to pitching midway through 2025 and had a 2.87 ERA over 14 regular-season starts. He also went 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA in the postseason, helping the Dodgers win their second straight World Series title.

The 31-year-old didn’t hit, choosing to focus on pitching, especially on such a hot day. Roberts said he expects Ohtani to be the team’s designated hitter against the Padres.

“He’s already taken enough at-bats, so I don’t think the at-bats are a concern,” Roberts said.

Ohtani recently returned to Dodgers camp at Camelback Ranch after Japan was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the WBC. He was 6-for-13 at the plate with three homers for Japan over five games.