The Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers meet for the second time, but there won't be many familiar faces. Chicago won on Jan. 20 and dealt away players that combined for 78 points in that game. The Clippers traded away 39 points of production.
The makeover served the Clippers well. L.A. is on a hot streak, while Chicago has gone in the other direction.
That trend line should continue, as my Bulls vs. Clippers predictions and NBA picks see the Clips covering.
Bulls vs Clippers prediction
Bulls vs Clippers best bet: Clippers -13.5 (-110)
Trading away or parting with James Harden, Ivica Zubac, and Chris Paul has revived the Los Angeles Clippers' offense. L.A. has improved its record by 16 games since a late-December low point, a record midseason turnaround.
L.A. has covered seven of the last eight, including a 153-point outburst on Wednesday, while bullying lesser teams,winning their last five games favored by double-digits by an average margin of 26.4.
The Chicago Bulls, who traded Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, and Nikola Vucevic, are 3-3 since snapping an 11-game skid, have covered just two of the last five as double-digit dogs.
Bulls vs Clippers same-game parlay
The Clippers have gone Over in five straight and eight of the last 10. Chicago has the third fastest pace in the league, which plays right into the Clippers' hands.
Kawhi Leonard has been on a heater. He's led the team in scoring in 16 of the last 18 and has averaged over 30 points since Dec. 20. His lowest point total in the last five was 28.
Bulls vs Clippers SGP
Clippers -13.5
Over 234.5 points
Kawhi Leonard Over 29.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Points Parade!
Bennedict Mathurin has quickly become Los Angeles' second scoring option since arriving from Indiana at the deadline. He's scored 21 or more in four of the last five and has hit 4-of-9 from three over the last two games.
The Bulls will get plenty of possessions in this shootout, and Josh Giddey should reap the benefits as Chicago's top remaining scorer. He's topped 20 in three of the last five and averaged 19.4.
Bulls vs Clippers SGP
Over 234.5 points
Kawhi Leonard Over 29.5 points
Bennedict Mathurin Over 21.5 points
Josh Giddey Over 18.5 points
Bulls vs Clippers odds
Spread: Bulls +11 (-110) | Clippers -11 (-110)
Moneyline: Bulls +415 | Clippers -550
Over/Under: Over 233 (-110) | Under 233 (-110)
Bulls vs Clippers betting trend to know
The Chicago Bulls have hit the Game Total Over in 25 of their last 40 away games. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Clippers.
How to watch Bulls vs Clippers
Location
Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
Date
Friday, March 13, 2026
Tip-off
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN So Cal, CHSN
Bulls vs Clippers 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.
Two sides on different recent trajectories meet with Steve Tandy finding cause for optimism despite another wooden spoon looming
Which is the sharper motivator, the avoidance of fresh humiliation or the attainment of new heights? Cardiff could be the place this weekend for any students of psychology more interested in such nuances than anything so obvious as an actual attempt to win the title.
Suffice to say, neither Wales nor Italy can win the Six Nations this weekend, nor exert any influence on its outcome. It is mathematically possible for Wales to knock England into last place for the first time in the extended championship’s history, but students of mathematics needn’t bother. For the record, Wales would need to win with a bonus point and, in concert with France, who play England, cover their current deficit of 100 in points difference.
Nightly out-of-town scoreboard watching has become an infuriating experience for the Senators organization and their fans. While the Senators find themselves in an incredible stretch of hockey, most of the teams they’ve been chasing have been on similar hot streaks.
Stingy defense, timely scoring, and improved goaltending don’t mean as much when your competition isn’t conceding ground. As of this writing on March 12, while the Senators have chipped away double-digit point deficits since the calendar turned to 2026, the catchable teams for the Senators in the Bruins, Red Wings, Canadiens, Penguins, Blue Jackets, and Islanders have a 32-14-14 combined record in their last 10 games, which means making up ground has been a slow process and the runway is starting to run out with 18 games left on the slate.
Atlantic leaders Buffalo and Tampa are virtually uncatchable barring a historic collapse by one of those teams, and even Buffalo’s crushing weight of historical losing won’t be enough for them to miss entirely this time. Montreal in particular has forged an identity as a team that regularly comes back late in games with last-minute heroics.
The Atlantic Division has only seen 9 regulation losses in the last ten games combined between Montreal, Boston, Detroit, and Ottawa. Five of those regulation losses belong to Detroit, which probably makes them the most catchable team for Ottawa considering their two games in hand and head-to-head matchup with the Wings remaining.
So in this bizarre season, you basically have 7 teams who are all on excellent stretches of hockey competing for 5 playoff spots between 3rd in the Atlantic, 2nd/3rd in the Metro, and the two wild card spots. In other words, two very good teams are likely not just going to hit the golf course in mid-April wondering what could have been, but actually compete with and break records set by the greatest teams of all time to miss the dance entirely.
In terms of sheer talent, Ottawa and company can’t compete with the 1969-70 Montreal Canadiens, who missed the playoffs with more than half their roster consisting of future Hall of Famers.
Count ’em, that year’s Habs had 11 future Hall of Famers on the roster, including Yvan Cournoyer, Henri Richard, Jean Beliveau, Serge Savard, and Guy Lapointe. That team missed the playoffs with 92 points (with no loser points) and 38 wins/16 ties in 76 games and a +43 goal differential! That year’s team missed the final spot to the Rangers, who had an identical record but a +57 differential, the tiebreaker used at the time.
It’s worth noting that this was after a recent six-team expansion in which all the “western division” teams were limping along with expansion rosters and cast-offs. In the West Division, the Pittsburgh Penguins made the playoffs in second place with a 26-38-12 record and a -56 goal differential. The Oakland Seals got the last playoff spot in the west with a 22-40-14 record and a -74 goal differential in that division. St. Louis claimed first place with one less win and 5 more regulation losses than Montreal had that year.
I’m sure Montreal fans took solace in the team’s two Cup wins in 1968 and 1969 before that season and six more Cup victories in the 1970s, including four straight from 1976-1979, so don’t feel too bad for them.
So there’s some comfort for anxious fans who aren’t seeing quality hockey translate to a comfortable playoff spot these days. The lopsided nature of the conferences used to be far more pronounced in a 12-team league where half the league was recent expansion franchises. The difference between West and East is huge this year, but it was far worse once upon a time.
Other teams had top-level talent and couldn’t close the deal. The 2012-13 Tampa Bay Lightning and 1948-49 Chicago Blackhawks had the league’s 1-2 scorers but missed the playoffs.
But what about in the modern, 30+ team NHL era?
The current record for points in a season without a playoff appearance is shared by four teams. The 2017-18 Florida Panthers, 2018-19 Montreal Canadiens (co-record holders at 44 wins for a non-playoff team), and 2024-25 Calgary Flames all finished with 96 points and were rewarded by cleaning out their lockers after game 82.
The fourth team? That would be the 2014-15 Boston Bruins, who lost their spot to the Senators during the historic Hamburglar run in the last week of the season. Senators fans can hang their hat on the fact that history could absolutely repeat itself with only a slight dip in play by the Bruins.
But not so fast. As good as the Senators have been, the Bruins have matched them save for save, goal for goal in 2026. The two teams were tied for the best goal differential in the last 20 games at 21 each before Wednesday’s NHL games. Ottawa’s goal percentage at 61.9 percent in that stretch is second in the league, second only to, yup, Boston’s 62.96 percent.
Luck and goaltending have been bigger factors than ever, considering Ottawa leads the league in expected goals in that same stretch at 56.94 percent while Boston sits 27th at 47.25. Also in Ottawa’s favor is that according to tankathon.com, Boston, Columbus, and Pittsburgh have the top 3 hardest schedules remaining, while Ottawa’s is 11th.
One or both teams that will miss the playoffs in this year’s east could very well break that aforementioned 96-point record. According to Moneypuck.com, the point projections for the East’s mid-range playoff contenders as of March 12 break down as follows:
Montreal (102.4)
Detroit (98.4)
Pittsburgh (98.4)
New York Islanders (98.4)
Boston (98.2)
Columbus (97)
Ottawa (95.3)
This has created an odd microcosm where Ottawa’s playoff odds (according to Moneypuck) on March 11th stood at 55.8 percent. But one loss to Montreal later has wildly dropped their chances to 40.6 percent to make the playoffs, but they're still in the top ten to win the Cup at 4.5 percent.
The Senators also boast the fourth-best odds to make the final out of the East at 7.9 percent, which is crazy considering they sit at least five points back of the eight teams in playoff positions.
So if the cutoff is expected to be 96-98 points this season, Ottawa will need to win 13 of their remaining 18 games (or pull 26 points out of the 36 available), with added focus on winning as many of the head-to-head matchups as possible against Eastern teams in front of them like Pittsburgh, the Islanders (2), and Detroit.
So what does this all mean?
If you’re a fan of high-quality hockey decided by razor-thin margins that will end in euphoria for one team and utter heartbreak for another, then this is the season for you.
If you’re a fan of a Western Conference team in a playoff spot, you’re just grateful to avoid the knife fight going on in the Eastern standings.
And if you’re a fan of one of the Eastern teams that goes home after a stellar regular season, well, you’ll have to take solace in the fact that your NHL team will be considered among the greatest to ever miss the playoffs.
So... yay?
Andrew Sztein
The Hockey News
This article was originally published at The Hockey News. For more Senators news, analysis, and features, visit the Ottawa Senators site at The Hockey News.
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: Anthony Mantha #39 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Carolina Hurricanes at PPG PAINTS Arena on December 30, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
If we are being honest with ourselves, and if the Pittsburgh Penguins are being honest with themselves, forward Anthony Mantha was never supposed to be on the team at this point in the 2025-26 season. The plan with him was pretty obvious from the start. At least it seemed to be obvious.
This was anticipated to be more of a rebuilding year for the Penguins.
Mantha looked like he was going to be this year’s version of Anthony Beauvillier, a reclamation project veteran signed to a cheap one-year contract.
The Penguins would then give him top-six ice-time, let him score some goals and pad some stats and ultimately rebuild his value.
Trade him at the NHL Trade Deadline for a second-round pick to add to the pile of draft picks they have been accumulating.
That is what we all expected, right? That has to be what the Penguins expected.
But then a bunch of things started happening that maybe even the Penguins themselves did not fully anticipate.
Not only did the team start winning a lot of hockey games and play itself into playoff contention, but Mantha also ended up playing a major part in that success.
With his assist on Thursday he has already set a new career high in points. His next goal will match his career high (25) and there is a very good possibility that he ends up scoring 30 goals before this season is finished. He has been the best value free agent signing in the NHL this season. Given the way he has played, as well as the way the Penguins have played their way into contention, there is no way the Penguins were going to take that away from the locker room unless they were getting something significant back in return to help this season.
Obviously, that did not happen.
That now leaves the Penguins in a situation where Mantha is a pending unrestricted free agent after this season.
What do you do with him?
There is still a lot of hockey to be played between now and July, but given the way Mantha is playing, and with the way he has stepped up recently with some top players out of the lineup, it is a discussion worth having.
Do you shake his hand, thank him for his services, and wish him well in his next step?
Or do you do what would have been unimaginable at the start of this season and try to re-sign him and keep him?
As good as he has been, there is a definite risk with the latter approach.
While Mantha has been sneakily productive throughout his career, averaging around 24 goals and 50 points per 82 games, there is one big caveat that comes with it. It is the classic, “when healthy” line.
Health has been a big problem for Mantha throughout his career with pretty much every stop prior to Pittsburgh. This is quite honestly one of the first times he has really had an opportunity to play a regular role over the course of a full season (knock on wood) and that has to be taken into account. As does the fact he is going to be 32 years old.
There is also the fact he might actually be one of the top free agents available, coming off a career year, in a rising salary cap environment.
Somebody is going to pay him.
If you look at the potential unrestricted free agents going into this summer, the only player on the list that has more goals than Mantha is Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch with 28. Alex Ovechkin has the same number of goals, but his options are returning to the Washington Capitals, returning to Russia, or retiring. I can not imagine he is going to be a serious option for anybody else.
After those guys, no other pending free UFA has scored more than 19 goals this season.
Salary cap space is not an issue for the Penguins. They are going to have to spend money on somebody, and given the current state of the open market I am not sure there is going to be a better player that comes in at a comparable price. They are also going to need at least one or two top-nine wingers. While you would like to see Rutger McGroarty or Ville Koivunen get more permanent roles, neither player is a lock to become an NHL regular. And even if they do next season, there would still be a potential need for another top-nine winger on the roster.
The obvious alternative — and perhaps the more likely path for the Penguins to follow — is the trade route. With their draft-pick capital, as well as an improved prospect pool, they could fill some of their needs via trade, and perhaps their biggest need (another young impact scorer).
I would not be opposed to another short-term deal (one or two years), even if it came with a high price tag. I would not go beyond that. But I am not sure a short-term gets it done given what the free agent market looks like and how it only takes one team to lose their minds and do something outrageous
The most likely path here is the one where the Penguins shake his hand, thank him for his services, and let another team take the risk with a long-term contract extension.
What would you do if you were Kyle Dubas? Try to sign him? And at what price and for how many years? Or let him walk?
Grizzlies vs Pistons best bet: Cade Cunningham Over 10.5 assists (-112)
Cade Cunningham is one of the top facilitators in the Association, and the numbers speak for themselves. The former first overall pick is averaging 10.0 dimes per contest, which ranks second in the league.
The guard is on a tear in March. He’s averaging 11.8 assists this month, and Cunningham has cashed the Over in back-to-back contests. During that span, he’s dished out a whopping 28 dimes.
Cunningham had 13 assists on Thursday against the 76ers. He also compiled 15 dimes on Tuesday versus the Nets. The Memphis Grizzlies are 20th in most assists allowed. Cunningham will cook.
Grizzlies vs Pistons same-game parlay
Jalen Duren has been a monster this season for the first-place Detroit Pistons, averaging 18.5 points and 10.5 rebounds. We’ll focus on his scoring output tonight. The big man has cashed the Over in two of his last three contests.
While Duren only scored 14 on Thursday, that’s because he didn’t play a ton due to Detroit blowing out Philly. He’s also hit the Over in three of his last five home contests.
Tobias Harris is averaging 13.1 ppg this season for the Pistons, and he’s posted Over 11.5 points in two of his last three. The veteran dropped 15 in a revenge game against the Sixers on Thursday.
He’s also hit the Over in back-to-back contests at Little Caesars Arena.
Grizzlies vs Pistons SGP
Cade Cunningham Over 10.5 assists
Jalen Duren Over 18.5 points
Tobias Harris Over 11.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Robinson banks in from beyond the arc
Duncan Robinson has cashed the Over in treys in two straight, and he’s averaging 3.4 makes at home for an impressive 44.2% clip.
Grizzlies vs Pistons SGP
Cade Cunningham Over 10.5 assists
Jalen Duren Over 18.5 points
Tobias Harris Over 11.5 points
Duncan Robinson Over 2.5 threes
Grizzlies vs Pistons odds
Spread: Memphis +15.5 (-110) | Detroit -15.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Memphis +750 | Detroit -1200
Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)
Grizzlies vs Pistons betting trend to know
The Detroit Pistons have hit the 2Q Moneyline in 26 of their last 35 games at home (+16.35 Units / 26% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Pistons.
How to watch Grizzlies vs Pistons
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Friday, March 13, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SE-Memphis, FDSN Detroit
Grizzlies vs Pistons 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.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 29: José Ramírez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Kansas City Royals in the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium on June 29, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Guardians seemingly do nothing each offseason, plug-and-play guys, and keep winning. They have had just one losing season since 2012, with eight playoff appearances in that time. Constancy. Sweet, sweet constancy.
The downside is they have just one pennant in that time, and have not won a championship since 1948. The team did make a major investment in All-Star third baseman José Ramírez, signing him to a seven-year, $175 million contract extension this offseason. Despite that, they’re projected to have the second-lowest payroll in baseball, par for the course for the franchise.
Cleveland Guardians
2025 record: 88-74
2026 PECOTA projection: 75-87
2026 ZIPS projection: 76-86
Manager: Stephen Vogt
Key additions: Shawn Armstrong, Rhys Hoskins
Key losses: Nic Enright, Jakob Junis, Jhonkensy Noel, Lane Thomas
Offense
The Guardians scored the third-fewest runs in baseball last year, despite an MVP-level performance by Ramírez. Steven Kwan is an All-Star-level performer as well, but he spent the entire offseason in trade rumors. The Guardians did get a breakout season from Kyle Manzardo, who terrorized Royals pitchers by hitting .382/.512/.794 with three home runs in 11 games against them. They brought over former Phillies and Brewers slugger Rhys Hoskins on a minor league deal, hoping he has something left in the tank at age 32 after suffering through a thumb injury last year.
The club is really banking on the farm system supplementing this lineup. Chase DeLauter is ranked as the #34 prospect in the game by Baseball America, but was limited to just 42 games in the minors last year due to a wrist injury. First baseman CJ Kayfus, outfielders Kahlil Watson and Ralphy Velazquez, and former #1 overall pick Travis Bazzana could also contribute this summer.
All statistics from 2025.
Pitching
Pitching has been the calling card for the Guardians in the last decade, and they finished with the fourth-best ERA in baseball. They are hurt by the loss of Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, both on non-paid disciplinary leave and facing federal indictments for their roles in a gambling scheme. Gavin Williams was one of the best pitchers in baseball after the All-Star break last year, with a 2.18 ERA that ranked third-best in the second half. Cleveland got 888 innings from their starters last year, second-most in baseball. Lefty Joey Cantillo could be poised for a breakout season, with a change-up that got a 49 percent whiff rate last year.
Even without Clase for part of the year, the Guardians had one of the best bullpens in baseball last season. Cade Smith will presumably take over closing duties after leading all relievers in fWAR last year. The only MLB free agent the team signed was Shawn Armstrong, who pitched effectively last year in Texas.
All statistics from 2025.
The Guardians are projected by most systems to be a losing team this year, but Stephen Vogt has twice won Manager of the Year by beating expectations. The Royals won just 5 of 13 games against the Guardians last year, so a better showing could help their chances in the standings. But don’t count the Guardians out, they just seem to find ways to win.
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 7: Slade Cecconi #44 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch during a Spring Training game against the San Diego Padres at Goodyear Ballpark on March 7, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Guardians’ pitching staff turned in quite a performance yesterday, throwing a shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers, striking out 16, and winning 1-0.
It was, admittedly, the B-team for Milwaukee as far as hitting goes, but it was still good to have Slade Cecconi be sharp for four innings, allowing two hits and one walk and striking out six, Cade Smith be dominant again striking out two, Erik Sabrowski striking out the side, and Connor Brogdon and Codi Heur striking out two, and Will Dion finishing with a scoreless ninth as well, striking out one batter.
Chase DeLauter had a walk and scored a run, Kyle Manzardo singled him home, Rhys Hoskins and Gabriel Arias had singles and Angel Martinez hit a double… that’s about all the offense did.
For those worried about Kahl Stephen, he spoke to the media yesterday, so seems like he’s ok:
"There's a reputation of pitching here"#Guardians RHP Khal Stephen on finding out he was getting traded for Shane Bieber and his excitement to be in a pitching development system like Cleveland's#GuardsBall@WEWSpic.twitter.com/QnDxGWjQkw
For those worried about Jace LaViolette, assistant GM James Harris spoke highly of him to the media, mentioning his blazing speed:
"Last I checked, he was the second fastest person on campus, behind Fairchild"#Guardians assistant GM James Harris has been impressed with 2025 1st Round pick Jace LaViolette#GuardsBall@WEWSpic.twitter.com/Ts6TywJ70N
The panic levels are rising in a hurry for the Toronto Raptors after three straight losses, but they’re favorites to right the ship tonight against the Phoenix Suns.
Though some erratic offensive outings have plunged Toronto into play-in uncertainty, my Suns vs. Raptors predictions expect a response from RJ Barrett & Co. here, even with Phoenix chasing a playoff spot of its own.
Read on for my free NBA picks for Friday, March 13.
Suns vs Raptors prediction
Suns vs Raptors best bet: RJ Barrett Over 20.5 points (-105)
While Scottie Barnes is dealing with an illness and Brandon Ingram has had some tired outings this month, Barrett is soaring with 23.4 PPG on 60% shooting in March.
He’s scored 20+ points in five of his last six games, and there are positive signs with his 3-pointers after going 17-for-42 in his past eight contests.
Ingram draws so much attention that Barrett likely won’t see the Phoenix Suns’ best defenders tonight. He’s the key to Toronto getting back in the win column.
Suns vs Raptors same-game parlay
A big night from Barrett can be the catalyst for a Raptors win, and the hosts are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings with the Suns.
Phoenix is on the second night of a back-to-back set, and the visitors are 4-9 SU this year with a rest disadvantage.
Jakob Poeltl still doesn’t look fully healthy, but he remains a difference-maker defensively. He’s had at least one block in six straight contests, and I’m picking him to extend that streak here.
Suns vs Raptors SGP
RJ Barrett Over 20.5 points
Raptors moneyline
Jakob Poeltl Over 0.5 blocks
Our "from downtown" SGP: Book It
With Dillon Brooks still out, Phoenix needs the very best of Devin Booker — and he’s coming off a 43-point explosion in Indiana last night.
Look for another complete stat line tonight from Book, who’s dished 22 dimes across his past three games.
Suns vs Raptors SGP
Devin Booker Over 26.5 points
Devin Booker Over 5.5 assists
Devin Booker Over 3.5 rebounds
Devin Booker Over 0.5 steals
Suns vs Raptors odds
Spread: Suns +4.5 | Raptors -4.5
Moneyline: Suns +155 | Raptors -185
Over/Under: Over 218.5 | Under 218.5
Suns vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Suns are 5-13 SU this season as road underdogs. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Raptors.
How to watch Suns vs Raptors
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Friday, March 13, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
TSN, KTVK
Suns vs Raptors 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.
NORTH PORT, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Didier Fuentes #72 of the Atlanta Braves poses for a photo during Spring Training photo day at CoolToday Park on February 20, 2026 in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Spring Training is now in full swing and the Atlanta Braves have already made several moves to shape up what their opening day lineup is going to be.
One area that is not certain is who will shape up the back end of the rotation to start the year. Didier Fuentes is one of the arms in contention for a rotation spot, although the odds may not lead that way. Fuentes has only pitched 2.0 innings thus far this spring but will get the nod to start against the Yankees today in Northport.
In his two innings he did not give up a walk or hit. He did have a hit batsman but struck out four. Today he will face the Yankees with aspirations of proving he has what it takes to get some MLB playing time this season. He has never faced any of the players on the Yankees roster at the big league level, so it will be fun to see how he handles them.
Offseason acquisition Ryan Weathers will be pitching for the Yankees and has struggled to a 7.94 ERA in his limited sample of 5.2 innings this spring.
Today, the Braves are going with a lineup that is mix of everyday starters, potential platoon bats, and players fighting for the final spots. Ozzie Albies also rejoins the lineup after his time in the WBC.
It is safe to say that this lineup will not be the opening day lineup, but there is a legitimate chance that Kyle Farmer will make the roster to face lefties like he is today.
The Yankees are bringing a lineup similar to the Braves with some starters, but also some players that likely won’t make the Opening Day squad.
Odds are this game is not going to decide a rotation spot on its own for Fuentes, but he is one to keep an eye on along with Farmer who looks to possibly win a roster spot as a platoon bat against LHP.
SAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 12: Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs shots over Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets in the first half at Frost Bank Center on March 12, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For three quarters, the Victor Wembanyama-less San Antonio Spurs looked perfect. They were playing physically, getting out into the passing lanes, forcing the Denver Nuggets to take tough shots, and getting to the basket at will. But three-quarters of stellar basketball isn’t enough to take down Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. It takes a sustained 48 minutes of near-perfect basketball to beat an NBA Title contender without your best player.
The turning point seemed to come late in the third quarter, when Jokic was called for an illegal screen on Stephon Castle. A furious David Adelman challenged the call and was given a technical foul. After that, the Nuggets started to get more calls, and the Spurs’ physical advantage disappeared. Denver was able to get into the paint without Wembanyama there to stop them, and the tides turned quickly.
San Antonio didn’t do itself any favors in the fourth quarter. Some of the bad habits that led to blown leads earlier in the season were back with a vengeance on Thursday night. They turned the ball over, allowed the Nuggets to get out and run, and lost the battle in the paint. The game flipped on its head and was over in a flash.
There shouldn’t be a doomsday parade about the loss. Denver is a tough team, and the Spurs were a few bad bounces away from stealing this one without Wembanyama. It is, however, a reminder of what is ahead of them. In the playoffs, teams won’t roll over and die. It’ll take 48 minutes of sustained, near-perfect play to survive and advance.
Takeaways:
Castle is developing into a star in front of our eyes. He had his third triple-double of the season, and his second with 30 points. Castle bullied the Nuggets for 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Most importantly, he shot 4-8 from three. While he’s only shooting 31.2% from deep this season, he is hitting 40.5% of his three-pointers after the All-Star break. Maybe it’s a hot streak, or maybe it’s a sign of legitimate improvement. Either way, when Castle is a threat to hit catch and shoot threes, the Spurs offense looks a lot better.
Harrison Barnes looked great in his return from injury. The veteran had 20 points off the bench on 6-10 shooting from the field. His jump shot looked great, and he gave San Antonio another steady wing who could create some opportunities off the dribble if needed. He’s a key player to get going heading into the playoffs. Thursday was a start in the right direction.
Carter Bryant continues to impress. He had 10 points in just 9 minutes against Denver. He still looks a bit awkward out there at times, particularly when he is forced to put the ball on the deck and drive to the basket, but he is finishing at the rim better than he has all season and is knocking down three-pointers. Bryant is knocking down 37.8% of his threes after the ASB.
It was a true neutral performance from the newest Spur with the best nickname in basketball, Mason “Plumdog Millionaire” Plumlee. He grabbed two rebounds and had two steals while scoring 0 points and having a 0 +/-. He fits well in the Spurs scheme as a third big. He’s adept at dribble handoffs, sets good screens, and is a solid defender on the other end.
I’m not one to typically complain about officiating, but it was uneven at best on Thursday. You know it’s bad when BOTH head coaches got a technical for complaining about calls.
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 9: Umpire CB Bucknor #54 walks onto the field before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs at Truist Park on September 9, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you watched the first inning of last night’s Spring Training game between the Astros and Nationals, you got to see the future of baseball on display. The ABS challenge system was put into overdrive, as three CB Bucknor calls were overturned in just the first inning. It was a quick and easy system that will be a genuine game changer for MLB.
There were two overturns just in the first at bat of the game. CJ Abrams successfully challenged the second pitch of the game, turning a 1-1 count into 2-0 count. When the count was full, Astros catcher Yainer Diaz returned the favor, turning a walk into a strikeout on a breaking ball that just clipped the top of the zone. There was actually a called strike in the at bat that Abrams should have challenged but did not.
In the bottom half of the inning, it was Keibert Ruiz’s turn to help out his pitcher. He challenged a ball call, which was clearly in the zone. That made three overturns on CB Bucknor calls in just the first inning. This new system is clearly going to hurt some umpire’s pride this season. They are going to have to be on their A game at all times.
Those were not the only challenges of the game though. In the bottom of the second inning, Ruiz won another challenge on a faulty Bucknor call. That made it four overturns in just two innings. After all, it is Spring Training for the umpires as well.
Four overturned calls for CB Bucknor through two innings already
As the game went on, things calmed down. Bucknor was actually vindicated a couple times later in the game, with two challenges going his way. This is going to be such an interesting storyline to follow as the season gets going. Baseball Savant is going to be tracking this like a hawk, so we will see who is the best and worst at challenges.
It will also expose some of the weaker umpires we have in the sport. I am not surprised that it was CB Bucknor behind the plate when all these calls got overturned. He does not have a strong reputation as an umpire, and the numbers bear that out. Bucknor was towards the bottom of the umpire rankings last year.
After seeing this, there are definitely going to be games where this challenge system goes viral. There were some calls that could have gotten challenged early in the game that didn’t. That would have made things even worse for Bucknor. Umpires are going to have their feet held to the fire in a way they have not before.
The players are also going to need to know when to challenge as well. You can only fail two challenges before you run out for the game, so you have to be sure if you are challenging. That is why most teams have the catcher challenge rather than the pitcher, who could be liable to make rash decisions.
This is going to be an amazing wrinkle to this season. It is also very quick and easy. These challenges only take a few seconds, so it does not slow down the game much at all. It is also a bit of a spectacle for the fans because they show the decision up on the big screen. Having these decisions go down in playoff games is going to be really exciting.
Like the pitch clock, I think the ABS challenge system is going to be a big hit. Rob Manfred takes a lot of heat, much of it being justified, but he has made some great changes the past few years. The pitch clock was the best change the sport has seen in decades and now the ABS challenge system looks like it will also be a success. I am very excited to see how this plays out in the regular season.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 12: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 12, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
#1 – Turnovers management
Deep into the season, you have a sense of what the game should look like and what could be a turning point. For this matchup against the last two champions, taking care of the ball while forcing turnovers would be one of the keys to winning overall.
Boston has been the best team in the league at avoiding turnovers, and OKC is right behind them. In the meantime, OKC is also one of the two best teams at forcing turnovers. The goal for the Celtics was to make sure they don’t get dominated in that area so they could stay in the game as long as possible.
Which they did. Both teams lost the ball 12 times, and many of those were caused by the high pressure put on the go-to guys for each team. Jaylen Brown lost the ball 6 times while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turned it over 4 times.
From these turnovers, both teams did a great job defending the transition as the Celtics scored only 14 points off turnovers and the Thunder 16. The turnover battle being so even is one of the reasons the game was close. Let’s now look at the other layers of that strategic battle.
#2 – Keeping Neemias Queta in the paint
The Celtics and the Thunder went into that game knowing that Queta would hardly defend the opposing center. With Isaiah Hartenstein sidelined, the two centers for OKC were stretch bigs with Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams. In these scenarios, Joe Mazzulla and his coaching staff have shown they would rather have a wing like Hauser on the opposing big while Queta defends the opponent’s worst shooter.
On the play above, Queta isn’t concerned at all with Alex Caruso and roams in the paint to make sure he can help on the drive and protect the rim. Yet, as soon as Caruso has the ball, he must defend him and does a great job blocking the layup attempt.
When Caruso was in the weakside corner, it was the perfect situation for Queta because he could come from behind and protect the rim like a goalkeeper. Here, Payton Pritchard is beaten on the drive, but here comes Queta and his long arm.
So, if the Celtics found a way to defend the paint so well, how is it possible that the Thunder had 75% efficiency on shot attempts within four feet of the rim?
#3 – Too many defensive collapses
Despite great effort on defense, especially on SGA, the Celtics made too many mistakes to get the win in the end. It’s little things, but against such an elite team, it makes it hard to win with these defensive errors.
Here for example, Caruso and Queta are on the strong side, which takes away the rim protection. Jordan Walsh stays up to help Pritchard on the ball and that creates a big gap in the paint so Aaron Wiggins can cut and finish at the rim.
The rotations weren’t on point from time to time, leading to way too many easy shots at the rim. Here again, the cut to the paint is open because nobody tags the roll man. It could have been Brown from the strong side or Luka Garza who could have come from the weakside and left Lu Dort alone — but no one showed up and that’s a dunk.
That play shows well why the defense can’t fall asleep even for a second around a great playmaker like SGA. Jaylen switches off the MVP but wants to help in the driving lane. However, he forgets his man on his back and that’s another open shot at the rim for OKC, who made sure to cash out on these defensive mistakes.
Overall, 18 field goals made from 24 attempts at the rim for the Thunder. The Celtics will need to fix that before the next matchup in Boston later this month.
#4 – Flare screen to open corners
While the defense had flaws in its execution, there were also great things going on offensively, especially to open the corner. The Celtics knew the Thunder are a team that will collapse easily to make sure they protect the paint. To use that as an advantage, Boston used a flare screen to attract defenders and open the corner.
Here for example, Queta’s screen and run to the paint absorbs SGA and that leaves Baylor Scheierman open.
While you could think it is accidental and that it was caused by Caruso’s fall (or flop), the Celtics ran the same action a little bit later, this time for a Hugo Gonzalez corner three. This is a great example of how gravity can make a defense break.
#5 – Jaylen Brown’s gravity
Speaking of gravity, Jaylen Brown’s game last night was a statement about the player he has become. Some plays in particular speak loudly, and this one with Sam Hauser is one of them. The Celtics shooters come and set a screen to force a switch on AJ Mitchell but the Thunder defense would rather send two players, even if that leaves one of the best shooters in the NBA open.
This screenshot from his seventh assist also says a lot. There is Dort on his back, Cason Wallace on his right, and Williams in between him and the paint. Because of his gravity, both Pritchard and Queta are open and this leads to another open shot.
Yet, with great gravity comes big responsibilities and sometimes Brown got caught up with bad passes and offensive fouls — but that’s part of the deal. The Thunder were willing to send two players at him and maybe the Celtics could have exploited that a little more rather than forcing the decision with JB.
Of course, he scored 34 points and was able to generate 14 free throws, but this also came with 15 missed shots and 6 turnovers. It is hard to find the right balance when you are responsible for your team’s gravity.
#6 – An isolation tournament
But Jaylen Brown wasn’t the only one hunting for one-on-one shots. SGA and Pritchard also had their share of isolations. Payton started off well with a couple of made shots against Wallace and Holmgren.
And of course, the step-back to close the first half. Despite having three players focused on him and the whole arena expecting him to be the one who shoots.
Despite this good start, the Celtics guard was only able to convert 6 of his 17 shot attempts, struggling from deep with a 2-for-9 mark beyond the line. And while PP and JB had some ups and downs in their isolations, SGA seemed unstoppable with 35 points on 18 shot attempts.
Dealing with SGA scoring was hard, but the Celtics still showed some great things despite the defeat.
#7 – Dealing with a MVP
How do you stop one of the two best players in the NBA? Well, you don’t — but you can pick your poison.
Joe Mazzulla on guarding SGA and how it’s a give and take:
“He’s obviously a great player. So you have to pick your poison and what you're going to take away. He only shot 8 free throws, so that's a part of that.”
The Celtics remained very disciplined and avoided, as much as possible, jumping on fakes and getting caught in SGA’s wizardry. Also, the Celtics have something quite remarkable when it comes to defending such a player: a deep roster with a lot of wings.
On this possession SGA uses a screen from Isaiah Joe to get rid of Jordan Walsh’s matchup, but instead he is now defended by Ron Harper Jr., who finds a way to steal the ball with his long arms.
Yet SGA was still the offensive engine for his team, and what might have become even harder against him is forcing him to give the ball away. Not because he doesn’t want to, but because he has improved a lot as a passer.
Despite playing without Jalen Williams and Hartenstein, the point guard was also able to make the whole team shine with nine assists and take advantage of the Celtics’ willingness to put pressure on him. He remained calm and collected and the Celtics lost the minutes he was on the floor by 14 points.
#8 – Dominating the glass
Despite losing because of an offensive rebound, the Celtics won the possession battle against the Thunder because they exploited one of their only weaknesses: the defensive rebound. Especially without Hartenstein.
Because of that impact on the offensive glass, the Celtics had five more possessions overall than the Thunder — and in a game decided by one possession, it could have changed a lot if Chet hadn’t gotten the board at the last second.
But that’s the trick when you play only with wings and guards. Holmgren was taller than anyone else on the court and the Thunder got lucky that the ball bounced near him. Yet the Celtics’ possession battle edge almost won them the game and it will be interesting to see if they can do it again in a couple of weeks.
#9 – The spanish Caruso
What a game from Gonzalez! As often against great teams, his ability to play multiple positions on defense and his motor to win possessions have a direct impact on the game. Just watch this possession where he blocks a triple and steals the ball from SGA on a drive.
Hugo Gonzalez is a special defender
Blocks the three and gets the back tap on SGA for the steal
That is special. On offense too, the juice he brings in transition and on the offensive board makes the team far better in the possession battle when he is on the court. Look how fast he is to get to the other end of the court for a layup.
Against OKC and Alex Caruso, analysts across the internet quickly saw how much Hugo Gonzalez could be inspired by the two-time NBA champion’s path, and how much he already impacts the game like him.
Six games out of seven at home in the next weeks for the Boston Celtics — a great opportunity to get closer to the 50th win. Could Joe Mazzulla’s team use the TD Garden crowd to fuel a run and secure a top-two spot in the East before April?
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 12: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball during the gameagainst the Boston Celtics on March 12, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Jaylen Brown drove left, pump-faked, spun around, and drilled a 19-foot equalizer over Lu Dort, putting the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder at a 102-102 tie with 21.9 seconds left in regulation — without Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Nikola Vučević.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla started the unusual lineup of Brown, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, and Baylor Scheierman. That combination has only played together six times this season, for a total of 21 minutes, but the team was limited in options. It wasn’t the ideal situation going up against the reigning NBA champions and the reigning MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“Effort was good,” Mazzulla told reporters, per NBC Sports Boston. “It’s effort, toughness, execution. I thought our effort and toughness were great. We played two great teams like that. Obviously, every possession matters, so a couple of possessions didn’t go our way — that’s the difference in the game. I thought we played very well, credit to the guys, and how we have the possessions that we know we have to be better at.”
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – MARCH 12: Jaylen Brown #7 is helped up by Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 12, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Early on, it was the bench that elevated the Celtics. Luka Garza and Jordan Walsh battled for second-chance possessions, both at the forefront of a 20-5 headstart advantage in bench points over the Thunder. Hugo González contributed with a go-ahead 3-pointer in the corner, and Boston had found its rhythm despite being shorthanded while facing the league’s best team.
The seamless transition in maintaining their competitive edge came as no surprise to the Celtics. The veterans in the locker room have worked alongside the younger, less experienced crew all season, preparing them for opportunities — including those unforeseen.
Oklahoma City was simply their latest of many challenges.
“We just got some young wolves, man,” Brown told reporters, per NBC Sports Boston. “We play inspired basketball. We come out every night and we compete, regardless of who’s on the floor. We’re not afraid of anybody, and we play together and play as a team. I’m proud of my group. I’m proud of our approach to every game. We came out on the road and we put their game to the test.”
González came up with a huge block in the third quarter, denying a Jaylin Williams 3-point attempt. Scheierman led the team with three offensive rebounds, two of which turned into second-chance baskets. It was another example of Boston’s readiness. Every player on the roster is prepared to step in at any moment to keep the engine running. That has been the theme since Opening Night, when Tatum’s return date was unknown, and the identity of the 2025–26 Celtics was still taking shape.
Pritchard also sees no reason to be surprised.
“We’re not learning anything,” Pritchard told reporters, per NBC Sports Boston. “You guys have already seen it. They come ready to play and play winning basketball. So it’s nothing new. We’re almost through the (regular) season now, so it’s what they do.”
Before the season commenced, team president of basketball operations Brad Stevens labeled most of the roster’s newcomers as “unprovens.” Comprised of minimally experienced arrivals, the offseason overhaul posed a mammoth challenge alongside Tatum’s recovery from his ruptured right Achilles tendon. The challenge was to maintain their standard as if Kristaps Porziņģis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet had never left and to compete with the league’s best while carving their place among that elite company.
Thursday night’s trip to Oklahoma City was proof that Boston has rendered that image in detail.
In San Antonio, the Celtics nearly overcame a 39-point double-double from Victor Wembanyama. Against the Thunder, they came even closer to overcoming Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s history-making 35-point performance, as he surpassed Wilt Chamberlain for the most regular-season games with 20-plus points, recording his 127th against Boston.
“He’s obviously a great player,” Mazzulla told reporters. “So you have to pick your poison and what you’re going to take away. He only shot eight free throws, so that’s a part of that. We took away some of the transition stuff — a couple of layups that we could’ve been better at in our shifts. So it just goes back to those possessions we can get better at, and the ones where you know you don’t have to change your spots.”
It’s hard to feel good about dropping two in a three-game road trip, yet somehow, the Celtics did enough to earn it — even if they won’t admit it.
ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 01: Atlanta pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26) is embraced by Atlanta bullpen coach Erick Abreu (85) following the conclusion of the MLB game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves on August 1st, 2024 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Jeez, how did I get the relief pitching assignment? You know about me and relievers, right?
The thing with this series is that we’ve theoretically gone through “who the Braves have at their disposal this year” and “how those guys are gonna do.” For relievers, though? That’s the place where the mid-March answers to those questions are way less reliable than for any other position.
So, let’s do something at least a bit different. Not too different, just a bit. First, a top-down view.
The Braves’ bullpen has not exactly been an organizational strength since the Alex Anthopoulos regime took over. They rank 12th in MLB in fWAR in that span, though at least they’re eighth in WPA. Part of the reason they are ranked where they are is because, under Brian Snitker, the team honestly didn’t really care about using relievers all that much: from 2018-2025, the Braves ranked 24th in bullpen innings, and 25th in bullpen batters faced.
Recent history has been a mixed bag. The bullpen was fantastic in 2024: third in fWAR despite the third-fewest innings (somehow…). But, in 2025, it was very bleh: there were five teams who had under 1.0 fWAR from their relief corps, and the Braves had the lowest fWAR among teams that weren’t one of those sad sacks. As for the future, well, the Braves are currently projected to have baseball’s tenth-best bullpen in 2026, but bullpen projections are… not exactly something you want to take to the bank. Even so, when we talk about the vague amoeba-esque shape that we think the bullpen will take for 2026, it kind of looks like this:
High leverage
The Braves have dumped over $30 million in salary into Raisel Iglesias and Robert Suarez. Iglesias will return for his fifth-ish (he was acquired midseason in 2022) season with the team after re-upping on a one-year, $16 million agreement, while Suarez signed a three-year, $45 million deal in the offseason.
Both Iglesias and Suarez are up there in age, as they’ll be in their age-36 and age-35 seasons, respectively. That hasn’t really slowed them down yet, as Iglesias hasn’t had a season below 1.0 fWAR since 2018 (including 2020!), while Suarez put up 0.9 fWAR in 2024 and a thrilling 1.9 fWAR last season after an injury-shortened down year in 2023. That said, Iglesias is clearly declining — his xFIP-s have gone 54, 76, 76, 83, 92 from 2021 through 2025, and his early-season struggles last year basically kneecapped the Braves’ season before it really got going. Suarez was incredible last year, but he had xFIP-s in the 90s the two years before.
Both guys are projected to be good, but not elite, probably because of the age thing and the performance nits picked above. Iglesias is in that 0.5 – 1.0 WAR range, with the variance as much about assumptions about leverage as anything else. Suarez is… pretty much in the same boat.
On the one hand, having two relief guys that are similarly quite good diversifies the risk and provides a handcuff if Iglesias “decides” to get murdered by HR/FB or whatever for a long stretch again. On the other hand, the Braves have committed $31 million in salary obligations for 2026 to this. Maybe it’ll be great. Maybe it’ll just be fine.
Set-up or something
The next three guys in the presumed-but-maybe-not-actual bullpen pecking order are like, “names that will almost certainly be around pitching meaningful frames barring a trade or whatever.”
Dylan Lee has also been around since 2021 (well, mostly since 2022) and has a career 67 ERA-, 86 FIP-, and 79 xFIP-. He’s also straight-up eviscerated left-handed batters (33 percent strikeout rate, 3 percent walk rate, a 2.53 xFIP). Lee was really good in 2022 and 2024, but had homer problems in 2023 and 2025. Those homer problems curiously didn’t really ding his ERA, or even his WPA, but given the Braves’ issues with HR/FB last year, it’s just one of those things that sometimes makes you wake up in a cold sweat. (Or maybe that’s just me.)
Aaron Bummer was, and might continue to be, kind of the weirdest part of this roster. He was great in 2024 (1.1 fWAR) but the Braves didn’t really care in terms of using him accordingly. 2025 was worse in basically every respect, but still fine-ish. The Braves also made him start games for some reason, and he missed the last five weeks of the season with shoulder inflammation. This isn’t the place to re-litigate whatever is going on between Bummer, the coaching staff, and the organization, but suffice to say, Bummer probably can be in the mix to effectively pitch meaningful innings to the extent any reliever in this section or the ones below can, though whether he ultimately is remains a question mark due to his prior bizarre usage. There’s been a fair bit of noise that the Braves might trade Bummer to free up some cash, but there’s been no indication the organization is interested in that — and if they are, it’s not clear what they might do to bulk up the depth chart in his theoretical absence (if such a thing is even needed).
And then we have Tyler Kinley, who kind of differs from Bummer and Lee in that his peripherals don’t actually suggest he’s going to be all that productive. The Braves acquired Kinley partway through the year in 2025, and then declined his club option even though he posted a 17/68/106 line (ERA-/FIP-/xFIP-) for them down the stretch. They later re-signed him for a lower dollar total ($4.25 million). In the end, Kinley is a bit of an enigma, even if he’ll probably be used as a right-handed set-up-ish option to complement the lefty-hurling Lee and Bummer. His peripherals, as noted, have been poor — even after he departed the dysfunctional Rockies’ organization. You could argue that as a fly ball pitcher, xFIP undersells Kinley, and you kind of have to in order to feel good about his prospective role in this bullpen.
In any case, projections generally have all three of these guys around the 0.5 WAR mark, with an ultimately meaningless but nonetheless noticeable rank order of Lee > Bummer > Kinley in expected effectiveness.
Bullpens have way more than five pitchers, right?
So, who else is going to be in the bullpen? Uhhhhh… probably a whole lot of guys over the course of the season.
Joel Payamps seems like a decent bet, because the Braves gave him $2.25 million for 2026 after picking him up late last season. He was awful in 2025, but good in 2024 and great in 2023.
Beyond that, your guess is as good as mine, because there aren’t really any clear slam-dunk options, but just a bunch of guys to either cycle through or give a trial run and dump shortly thereafter unless they thrive.
Some guys in the organization are out of options or added on non-guaranteed deals. Jose Suarez has big swingman energy, was an okay starter a few years ago, and has sometimes looked flat-out dominant while causing Bad Josh Tomlin (not to be confused with Relief God Josh Tomlin) flashbacks otherwise. Ian Hamilton was great in 2023, good in 2024, and replacement level in 2025 — but hasn’t really gotten much run in camp so far.
Your ride-the-Gwinnett shuttle types include Dylan Dodd (who was fine as a reliever last year) and Hayden Harris (who’s had great minor league numbers but didn’t impress in a tiny sample in the majors last year, and seems to be less favored by the organization than his video game minor league numbers would suggest). Other guys that you might see here and there include:
Daysbel Hernandez (coming off a shoulder injury and a woeful 2025 after a very exciting short MLB stint in 2024);
James Karinchak (impressive in camp but hasn’t been useful in the majors since 2022);
Hunter Stratton (basically depth, but had a nice 2024);
Rolddy Munoz (at least in theory, but nothing he’s done in the minors suggests there’s any reason to give him a bullpen spot);
Jhancarlos Lara (like Munoz, hasn’t done anything in the high minors but maybe he figures it out one day this year); and
Tayler Scott (run-of-the-mill replacement-level reliever).
Depth
Guys not starting could be relieving. Or perhaps guys not doing so great at starting could be pushed into relieving by promotions of other arms in their place. Unfortunately for the Braves, they kind of have a “not sure we have enough guys to start effectively” issue potentially looming given their pitchers’ tendencies to keel over at the inkling of a stiff breeze on the other side of the continent, so this is a weird category. Could Grant Holmes, Reynaldo Lopez, and/or Bryce Elder do relief stuff? Yeah, sure, probably — if they’re not starting for some reason. This also probably isn’t the year that Spencer Strider, High Leverage Reliever comes to pass, but you know people will still talk about it.
The Braves could also give essentially battlefield promotions to a bunch of prospects and pseudo-prospects — Blake Burkhalter, Cade Kuehler, Connor Thomas as pure-play relievers, or Carter Holton, Lucas Braun, Drue Hackenberg, and Brett Sears as “sorry buddy, you’re not gonna be starting anymore, but brief major league paycheck?” options. Maybe this is the year that actual meaningful prospects JR Ritchie and Didier Fuentes somehow establish themselves as elite bulk options as the Braves revolutionize how they use their pitching staff but… nah.
Jesse Chavez probably isn’t coming out of retirement, either, but you never know. (He’s coaching for the Giants anyway at this point.)
Overall
This is an expensive bullpen, and it’s not all that top heavy, nor overwhelmingly heavy at the top. While it’s true that most teams don’t have a duo like Iglesias and Suarez at the back end, all the teams with even better projected bullpens than the Braves do, generally with an even better duo (or trio). The Braves are five-ish deep in better-than-average-we-hope relievers, which is actually where their real bullpen “strength” is. But, because we’re talking about relievers, I wouldn’t really count on it. Things are gonna get weird, because that’s what relief pitching is apparently all about. Even though I hate it, and wish it were more normal. Oh well.
Based on the fact that the hearing will not be in-person, the maximum disciplined that can be levied will be five games.
The incident occurred at 15:47 of the second period during the Maple Leafs’ 6-4 victory over the Ducks at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday. As Matthews attempted to navigate through the slot, Gudas extended his leg, making direct contact with Matthews’ left knee.
Matthews, who had snapped a 12-game goal drought earlier in the frame with his 27th of the season, remained on the ice for several minutes in visible distress. He was eventually assisted to the dressing room by the training staff and did not return to the game.
Gudas was assessed a five-minute major penalty for kneeing and a game misconduct following an official review on the ice. Under NHL rules, a hearing indicates that the Department of Player Safety believes the hit warrants more than the automatic fine or one-game suspension that can accompany such penalties.
“It’s a dirty play,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said following the win. “The league is obviously going to look at it. We’ll see what happens from there.”
While Toronto managed to score twice on the ensuing power play to ignite a comeback victory, snapping an eight-game skid, the immediate lack of physical response on the ice was a point of contention for Berube.
"We should have had four guys in there doing something about it," Berube noted. "I thought they responded in the third... but we all would have liked everyone to get in there right away."
Defenseman Morgan Rielly echoed his coach’s sentiment, taking personal responsibility for not engaging Gudas immediately after the hit.
"It’s on me for not responding earlier," Rielly said. "I didn’t understand how bad he got him in the moment, but it’s a dirty hit."
The Maple Leafs have not yet provided a definitive timeline for Matthews’ recovery, stating only that he will undergo further evaluation on Friday. The 28-year-old center has 53 points in 60 games this season..
The result of Gudas' hearing is expected to be announced later this afternoon.
