Chicago Cubs history unpacked — September 23

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Happy birthday to Willie Greene, and a mighty host of others.

Today in baseball history, in 1908 – Giants P Christy Mathewson and Cubs P Three Finger Brown battle in what is perhaps the most controversial game ever played. The score is 1-1, with two outs in the last of the 9th when Fred Merkle‘s failure to touch second base after an apparent game-winning hit by Al Bridwell scoring Moose McCormick from third costs the Giants a 2-1 win; the umpire calls Merkle out and rules the game a tieMerkle’s “boner” will eventually cost the Giants the flag, and other stories as well.

Today in baseball history:

Today in Cubs history:

  • 1905 – In Chicago, Christy Mathewson and Carl Lundgren hook up in a tight pitchers’ duel, decided in Chicago’s favor on a mental error by Giants 2B Bill Dahlen. With two on and two out in the 5th inning, Dahlen bobbles a grounder and touches second base as the runner arrives. Dahlen, thinking that he has the third out, rolls the ball to the mound. But ump Bob Emslie calls the runner safe. Johnny Evers, the runner on third base, alertly scores on the play for the game’s only run. The loss stops Matty’s win streak at 11 games.
  • 1907 – In Chicago, the Cubs clinch the pennant by beating the Phillies, 4-1. Chicago pulls off a triple play in the 5th inning to help seal the win.
  • 1933 – The Cubs beat the Reds, 7-1, with Paul Derringer losing his 27th game for the last-place Reds, the most losses since George Bell in 1910Gabby Hartnett hits a grand slam for the Cubs.
  • 1959 – The Cubs continue to dash the Giants’ pennant hopes as Cal Neeman‘s 10th-inning home run gives Chicago a 9-8 win. The Cubs won the day before, 5-4, on George Altman‘s ninth-inning, two-run home run.
  • 1965 – A 20-game winner in 1964Larry Jackson loses his 20th game of this season, as the Phillies sweep a twin bill from the Cubs, 11-5 and 7-4. Jackson is the first pitcher since Murry Dickson of the 19511952 Pirates to follow a 20-win season with 20 losses.
  • 1998Sammy Sosa breaks an 0 for 21 slump, hitting his 64th and 65th home runs as the Cubs build a 7-0 lead over the Brewers. Milwaukee fights back, however, and scores three in the last of the 9th when Chicago OF Brant Brown drops a routine fly ball with the bases loaded and two out to allow three Brewers to score. Rod Beck is on the mound when the Merkle-like error occurs (Fred Merkle’s boner occurred exactly 90 years ago). With his eight total bases, Sammy has now topped the 400 mark.
  • 2000 – At Wrigley Field, the Cardinals defeat the Cubs, 6-5, despite 1B Mark Grace‘s 1,000th career RBI for Chicago. 
  • 2001Sammy Sosa becomes the first player in history to hit three home runs in a game three times in a season. Despite his trio of blasts, the Cubs still lose to the Astros, 7-6.

Cubs Birthdays:Gonzalez Germen, Chris Volstad, Willie Greene*, Tony Fossas, Dennis Lamp, Oscar Zamora, Mack Stewart, Joe Kelly.

Today in history:

  • 1779 – John Paul Jones aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard defeats the British frigate HMS Serepis and becomes the United States first well-known naval hero.
  • 1780 – British Major John Andre reveals Benedict Arnold‘s plot to betray West Point.
  • 1806 – Lewis and Clark return to St Louis from Pacific Northwest.
  • 1862 – US President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation is published in northern newspapers.
  • 1875 – Billy the Kid is arrested for the first time and jailed after receiving clothing stolen from a Chinese laundry but escapes two days later.
  • 1926 – “Upset of the Decade”: Gene Tunney defeats defending champion Jack Dempsey by 10-round unanimous decision at Sesquicentennial Stadium (later known as JFK Stadium) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the world heavyweight boxing title.
  • 1952 – Undefeated Rocky Marciano knocks out defending champion Jersey Joe Walcott in the 13th round at Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, for the world heavyweight boxing title.
  • 1957 – President Dwight D. Eisenhower orders US troops to support the integration of nine Black students at Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas after a white mob forces them to withdraw.

Today in music history:

  • 1945 – First Cavalcade of Jazz outdoor concert is held at Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, featuring Count Basie, Valaida Snow, and others.
  • 1957 – “That’ll Be the Day” single by Buddy Holly and The Crickets reaches No. 1 in the US.
  • 1969 – Northern Star, the student newspaper for Northern Illinois University, starts rumors that Paul McCartney is dead.
  • 1974 – John Lennon‘s single “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night,” featuring Elton John, is released in the US; it is Lennon’s only solo No. 1 single during his lifetime.
  • 1980 – Reggae legend Bob Marley‘s final concert at Stanley Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  • 1982 – Columbia Records releases “The Nylon Curtain,” singer-songwriter Billy Joel‘s eighth studio album.
  • 2016 – Shawn Mendes releases his album “Illuminate”, debuting at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200.

*pictured.

Phillies news: Zack Wheeler, Dan Baker, Andy Green

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 22: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Denis Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Zack Wheeler has reached a number that only 96 other pitchers in the history of the game have reached by striking out his 2,000th hitter on Tuesday night.

I will go so far as saying that his is the greatest free agent signing in team history.

On to the links.

Phillies news:

MLB news:

Orioles news: Orioles could be eliminated from playoff contention today

Good morning Birdland,

For a while now, we have been able to lean on the crutch that the Orioles were still “mathematically alive” in the AL playoff race. There is a chance, perhaps even an inevitability, that it will no longer be a matter of math after today. The Orioles elimination number is at one, and they play two games today. The same is true for the Blue Jays. Both teams need to sweep today and hope that the White Sox and Rangers are suddenly sapped of all talent, much like the basketball players in the 1996 hit film Space Jam. Unfortunately, as far as I know, that movie was not based on a true story.

It’s likely to be a bummer of an end to the Orioles home slate in 2026. Double-headers can be cool, but a split admission isn’t ideal for really anyone. The weather is expected to be cloudy and cool, peaking in the mid-60s this afternoon, with 10 mph winds and a low chance of rain. I would guess that attendance to the afternoon start will be rather pitiful.

The Orioles do not have a starting pitcher named for either game today on their website just yet. But it sounds like Chris Bassitt is confirmed for Game 1 to take on Max Scherzer in a rematch of last week’s face-off in Toronto. As for Game 2, both teams are quiet. Craig Albernaz seems to be picking between Trey Gibson and Cade Povich. It might depend on what happens in the opener with both teams possibly treating it like a playoff game, since it pretty much is one.

Also, Pete Alonso will be named the Most Valuable Oriole some time today. That is not confirmed, but the announcement for MVO is slated for this date, and Alonso is really the only choice at the top of the ballot. It will be interesting to see how some other names finish further down the list. I would expect Trevor Rogers, Brandon Young, and Shane Baz to get some love, as will Gunnar Henderson despite his struggles, and you might even see Rico Garcia among the vote-getters.

Links

Orioles confronted by doubleheader today and possible elimination in Wild Card race | Roch Kubatko
Roch has more daily updates, including the possibility that Samuel Basallo’s season could be done a little early. The team has concussions concerns coming out of Monday, and it’s obvious that he hasn’t been quite right since coming off of the IL anyway.

Mariners Lose Scout Behind George Kirby and Jonny Farmelo to Orioles | Yahoo! Sports
Apparently, this is a nice get by the Orioles. Joe Doyle, the reporter credited with most of the information in this story, explains that Ty Holub was courted by multiple organizations and chose to return to the Orioles, where he worked under the prior front office regime from 2013-17 as a baseball operations assistant.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s glasses are a distinctive feature on a distinctive player | The Baltimore Banner
CES is one of the positives coming out of this season. It’s nice to read up a little more on him. Unless he is traded this offseason, he would seem like a lock to return to the Orioles in 2027. Jordan Westburg’s rehab is likely to bleed into the start of the season, and it’s possible that Coby Mayo sees time elsewhere on the field to get his bat into the lineup more often.

Candidates to add to Orioles’ 40-man roster | Baltimore Baseball
As is explained in the article, there may not be a Rule 5 draft to protect players from this offseason. But you will still probably see the O’s (and other teams) add a handful of interesting youngsers to their 40-man roster sometime this fall.

Orioles birthdays

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

  • Willie Greene turns 55 today. He spent part of the 1998 season with the Orioles, acquired from the Reds in a deadline swap for outfielder Jeffrey Hammonds. Greene played in just 24 games for the O’s and had a .608 OPS in that time.
  • Pete Harnisch is 60 years old. An Orioles’ first-round pick in 1987, the right-handed pitcher debuted with them at the major league level in 1988 and stuck around through ‘90 before he was part of one of the most lop-sided deals in team history. The Orioles sent him, along with Steve Finley and Curt Schilling, to the Astros in exchange for Glenn Davis. Harnsich was an all-star in his first season with Houston and had a few more impressive years after leaving Baltimore.
  • The late Marcelino López (b. 1943, d. 2001) was born on this day. He played in three seasons for the Orioles between 1967-70. In total he had a 3.23 ERA over 147.2 innings with the O’s.

This day in O’s history

1958 – Orioles pitcher Jack Harshman hits two home runs to help himself to a 3-2 win over the Washington Senators.

1967 – A Brooks Robinson homer in the eighth inning lifts the Orioles to a 7-5 win over the Red Sox.

1997 – The Orioles use three early runs off of Roger Clemens to hold onto a 3-2 win against the Blue Jays.

1999 – A 13-game winning streak comes to an end for the Orioles as they lose 9-6 to the Athletics in the first part of a double-header. They bounce right back in the evening with a 12-4 win led by Albert Belle’s four-double performance.

2002 – The Orioles lose their 26th game in 30 chances as Jay Gibbons’ two-homer showing isn’t enough and the Red Sox prevail 5-4 in 15 innings.

2013 – Not only do the Orioles lose 5-4 to the Rays, but Manny Machado suffers a season-ending injury when he steps awkwardly on first base and twists his knee.

Tigers can seize series win on Wednesday afternoon against Nationals

The Detroit Tigers missed a chance to secure a series win over the visiting Washington Nationals on Tuesday night, dropping the second of the three-game series, 3-1. Despite tossing a quality start, Drew Anderson was saddled with the loss while the offense barely made a peep at Comerica Park.

Making his final start of the 2026 campaign in Game 3 is left-hander Framber Valdez — the lone survivor from the Tigers’ pitching rotation from the beginning of the season. While his overall numbers fall significantly short of what one would expect for his level of pay, the 32-year-old has been a mostly steady presence on the pitching staff, save for his short suspension in May.

Valdez is finishing the season on a strong note, having put up a 1.50 ERA and 3.71 FIP over his three games in September, allowing 12 hits (one home run) and seven walks while striking out 13 plus a hit-by-pitch across 18 innings to earn a pair of wins along with a loss.

For the Nats, fellow southpaw Richard Lovelady will take the mound looking to give the team a series win in his sixth start of the season. The 31-year-old journeyman was with the New York Mets to begin the season and served primarily as a back-end reliever; he has become something of a Swiss Army arm for Washington since acquiring him in a trade in mid-April.

Lovelady has not thrown more than two innings in an appearance this season, so he ostensibly will be serving in the opener role on Wednesday.

Here is a quick look at the stats for both pitchers in the series finale.

Detroit Tigers (74-84) vs. Washington Nationals (74-84)

Time (ET): 1:10 p.m.
Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
SB Nation Site:Federal Baseball
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 159: LHP Framber Valdez (10-11, 4.06 ERA) vs. LHP Richard Lovelady (3-4, 3.86 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Valdez30168.217.58.755.44.191.8
Lovelady3632.218.913.243.15.06-0.2

VALDEZ

LOVELADY

Is Cooper Flagg About To Hit A Whole New Level?

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 5: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 5, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Former Blue Devil Cooper Flagg had a tremendous rookie season last year, winning Rookie of the Year over former roommate and teammate Kon Knueppel.

What will he do for an encore? Well, it’s going to be interesting.

First, many fans think that he’s grown significantly. And at 19, that’s certainly possible. He entered the NBA at 6-9. If he’s now 6-10 or 6-11, with his mobility and skills, he’s that much more of a problem.

But that’s only part of the problem the rest of the NBA faces: according to his trainer, Matt MacKinzie, Flagg has put in the work to be significantly improved this season.

You can be sure he put a lot of time in the weight room as well. If he’s up to, say, 220, that would mean he’s gained 15 pounds. If he’s grown taller as well, he’s going to cause a lot of problems. And if he has improved his outside shooting, he’s going to be a nightmare.

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Cavs season preview: Nae’Qwan Tomlin – Can he find a role?

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Nae'Qwan Tomlin #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket for a dunk against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on April 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Paras Griffin/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The NBA game forces players into boxes. They’re asked to play specific, and sometimes simple, roles to help the team. The best players can both fit into and transcend that box when they need to.

Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s unorthodox basketball upbringing has made him a unique player. He didn’t play in the AAU circuits or even in high school. Instead, his skills were developed through high-level pick-up games that reward all-around talent rather than someone who is just an expert at one or two things.

Most players come into the league having already been forced into their mold. Tomlin didn’t, meaning he possesses skills that are uncommon for someone in his position. Those are seen most when he’s running in the open court or when attacking off the dribble if a defender closes out too hard.

That versatility is intriguing. Yet, it means little if you ultimately can’t fit into the box that the NBA puts you in. This is what Tomlin needs to figure out this season.

The simplest offensive role for him would be as a stretch four who operates mostly from the corner since he isn’t a pick-and-roll finisher. The Cavs tried him in that role last season, but he struggled to make a positive offensive impact once opponents stopped closing out to him, aside from being a strong offensive rebounder.

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You can only attack closeouts if you’ve given your defender a reason to actually close out. Tomlin didn’t do that last season, as he went 26-for-107 (24%) on corner threes. That was the worst percentage for a power forward last season from that spot. That’s on pretty high volume as well, since over a third of his field-goal attempts came from the corner. It’s difficult to envision Tomlin as a valuable member of an NBA offense if this doesn’t drastically change.

Developing a corner three-point shot is easier said than done — especially for someone turning 26 this season. Even though Tomlin is younger than most in terms of basketball developmental years, he isn’t a young player waiting to mature physically. At 26, you typically are who you are.

Similar concerns are there defensively. Tomlin can nominally defend the three and the four, but last season he was often too slow to defend more athletic threes and wasn’t sturdy enough to hold his own in the paint against bulkier fours. This is partially why the Cavs were in the 37th percentile for defensive rebounding percentage when he was on the floor. Tomlin would be better served if he could guard at one of those positions well, as opposed to being in between both.

Tomlin is a jack of many trades, but a master of none. He isn’t a defensive specialist or a marksman. Those archetypes can work on their own, depending on how good a player is at their specialty. However, there isn’t often room on the court for someone who is merely passable at a lot of things. That is most useful if you can fit into a role first, and then expand your game from there.

Tomlin’s path to the league is nothing short of remarkable. His career has been an unquestioned success since the moment he signed his first NBA contract last season. Most players with his backstory don’t make it to this point. Yet, if he’s going to sign another contract or be more than the 13th man on a roster, it’ll be because he finds his role. And he’s running out of time to do so, considering this is the final year of his deal.

This is a make-or-break season for Tomlin.

What should the Yankees do with Carlos Rodón?

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Carlos Rodón #55 of the New York Yankees reacts during game one of a doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on September 22, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Leading off yesterday’s doubleheader, Carlos Rodón pitched like a man who had something to prove. In a way, he does. He may be asked to step aside if the club needs a three-man rotation for a potential Wild Card series next week, widely viewed as the fourth guy sitting outside the Yankees’ Big 3 in their rotation, Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, and Gerrit Cole. Rodón’s also had to answer doubts all year as he’s dealt with numerous injuries, starting the season on the IL after offseason elbow surgery and a hamstring injury in spring training, before hitting the IL again with elbow inflammation over the summer. He’s been nails through it all, posting a 2.67 ERA in 16 starts, saving his best for last in the form of an eight-inning masterpiece Tuesday afternoon.

Rodón’s performance forces some interesting questions for the Yankees, particularly when it comes to their strategy should they face the Red Sox in a best-of-three. How should the Yankees deploy Rodón next week?

First off, you can make a compelling argument that they should just start the man. By any measure, he’s been the club’s third-best starter this season, behind Schlittler and Fried and ahead of Cole. Cole has been more durable throughout the season, but Rodón’s been in better form down the stretch, posting a 1.89 ERA in seven starts since coming off the IL a second time. Why not just roll with the hot hand?

The Yankees seem likely to go with Cole, preferring to defer to both Cole’s extensive track record and status over Rodón’s superior recent performance, a decision that’s both debatable and reasonable. Should that be their move, the strategic implications run deeper.

They could use Rodón in something of a piggyback role, letting him eat multiple innings in support of one of their top starters (perhaps Cole, the team’s shakiest starter lately?). They could let him air it out in a one-inning relief role for one series, or even deploy him as a lefty specialist, choosing to bring him in if and when the opposing lineup presents a lane of left-handed hitters.

It’s not at all a simple decision, in no small part because there’s another plausible idea here: keep him in reserve for a potential ALDS. If the Yankees burn all four of their top starters in some fashion in the ALWC, they’d be forced to start Will Warren in Game 1 of the ALDS should they advance. The difference between Rodón and Warren isn’t exactly massive, and Warren has been strong down the stretch as well, but saving Rodón for the ALDS allows the Yankees to ensure that every game is started by one of their top four pitchers.

It’s a complicated calculus; every tactical decision you make in one postseason game or series has major strategic consequences on every future game and series. Rodón could be an extra relief weapon in a Wild Card series, he could be held in reserve for a future series, and you could even argue he should just start against Boston. What do you think? What should the Yankees do with Rodón?


On the site this morning, Matt reviews Tuesday night’s American League action, and John ruminates on Moneyball, the movie, released on this day 15 years ago. Later, Jonathan’s entry in our Yankees Birthday series features a fan favorite from a bygone era, Joba Chamberlain, and Josh discusses Aaron Judge’s calf injury, and the Yankees’ continued reluctance to be forthright whenever Judge gets hurt.

Today’s Matchup:

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Time: 7:05 p.m.

TV: Amazon Prime Video, Rays.TV

Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

Reading crushes Erie to win the Eastern League championship

Reading Fightin Phils 13, Erie SeaWolves 4 (box)

SeaWolves pitching held up in the postseason about as well as one could hope as the club had similar issues to their parent club all year. The magic finally evaporated in the sixth inning of Tuesday’s Game 2 of the Eastern League championships, as the Phils launched a pair of grand slams to bury the SeaWolves and claim the title.

Things started off with plenty of promise in the must-win elimination game. Peyton Graham drew a leadoff walk and Zyhir Hope blasted a two-run homer before an out had been recorded in this one.

The SeaWolves got leadoff singles in the second from Chris Meyers and E.J. Exposito, and after Izaac Pacheco struck out, the Phils turned quickly to their bullpen and got flyouts from Seth Stephenson and Graham to escape the jam.

Lucas Elissalt cruised early on, giving up just a leadoff single in the third, which he stranded. Elissalt’s velocity was up nicely much of the summer, but it’s been back down more in the low 90’s recently, suggesting he was running out of gas. In the fourth, he gave up a leadoff single to Dante Nori, and then hung sliders to Aidan Miller who doubled, and Chris Heredia, who singled. With a run in and Miller on the third, Elissalt bounced a breaking ball and Luke Shliger failed to block it. It was ruled a wild pitch and Miller scored to tie the game. Elissalt collected himself and struck out the next hitter, ultimately escaping the jam, but the weak SeaWolves bullpen made that at most the best of a set of bad options.

In the top of the fifth, Pacheco singled, and Stephenson bunted him to second base. A Graham ground out moved him to third, and the Phils turned to a lefty to deal with Hope, eventually walking him. Thayron Liranzo pulled a ball to third that went for an error, scoring Pacheco to re-take a 3-2 lead, but that’s all they’d get.

Elissalt got three quick outs in the bottom of the fifth, but Tony Cappuccilli stuck with him in the sixth and it all blew up in their face. Three line drive singles started the inning, and that was the end of Elissalt’s outing. Colin Fields took over and promptly walked in a run. Caleb Ricketts was up next, and he lifted a grand slam just over the right field wall to make it a 7-3 Reading lead. Eventually Zane Barnhart had to take over, and he allowed an inherited runner to score. 8-3 Reading.

From there the bullpen continued its meltdown. They allowed a run in the seventh, and then Tanner Kohlhepp dug himself a deep hole in the bottom of the eighth. Wandisson Charles took over and allowed a Carson DeMartini grand slam.

E.J. Exposito hit a solo shot in the ninth, but this was long out of reach by that point.

Congrats to the SeaWolves on a good season. Ultimately they fell victim to the same thing that plagued the Tigers all year. There just aren’t many legit pitching prospects in the upper levels of this system, and that better change pretty quickly. Right now it’s Andrew Sears and Elissalt alone, with only Moises Rodriguez, Yuniel Curet, and Yilber Diaz as notable relief prospects. Jake Miller’s injuries the past two years make his future extremely uncertain. Ben Jacobs, Cameron Flukey, Kelvis Salcedo, and Cale Wetwiska offer hope in 2027, but aren’t going to approach major league readiness until 2028 most likely. Michael Massey, probably the top pure relief prospect in the system, will hopefully join them now that he’s recovered from Tommy John surgery.

Point being, the Tigers have another nice wave of position prospects coming in 2027, but internal help for the pitching staff is still another year away for the most part.

Hope: 1-3, R, 2 RBI, HR, BB

Exposito: 2-4, R, RBI

Meyers: 2-3, 2B, BB

Elissalt (L, 1-1): 5.0 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 0 BB, 5 K

This concludes the season for Tigers Prospect Daily as well. On behalf of David Rosenberg and myself, thank you very much for following along, and for your comments, prospect discussion, and support. It means a lot to us, and never fear, we have plenty of season-ending prospect coverage coming in October, and we’ll be tracking Zyhir Hope, Bryce Rainer, and the rest of the Tigers’ Arizona Fall League contingent starting in two weeks.

Denver Nuggets season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Just three seasons removed from an NBA championship and the Denver Nuggets suddenly feel like a team whose window to win is closing.

Yes, they have all-world center Nikola Jokić, and yes, they have Jamal Murray and plenty of other talented pieces. But key role players struggled to develop, and a debilitating salary cap situation have left the Nuggets in a precarious position.

So, while the Nuggets finished third in the West last season, they’ll need those role players to ease some of the pressure off Jokić and Murray, especially considering that the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves — Denver’s three biggest threats in the conference — are each superb defensive teams.

Here's a breakdown of the Denver Nuggets' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

Denver Nuggets offseason review

  • Record last season: 54-28 (3rd in Western Conference)
  • Playoff finish: Eliminated in first round (2-4, against Timberwolves)
  • Coach: David Adelman (second season)
  • 2026-27 title odds: +2500 (per BetMGM)
  • Projected record : 53-29
  • Offseason grade : D+

Key roster additions

  • F DeMar DeRozan (free agent signing)
  • F Marving Bagley III (free agent signing)
  • G Alpha Diallo (free agent signing)
  • F Trevon Brazile (NBA draft)
  • F Bryce Hopkins (NBA draft)

Key roster losses

  • G Tim Hardaway Jr. (free agency)
  • G/F Peyton Watson (trade)

Biggest question entering training camp

Strapped against the second apron, can this roster compete with the West’s best?

  • During the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the Nuggets suddenly looked old and slow. The Timberwolves harassed Denver’s role players, leaving much of the offensive responsibility to fall to all-world center and three-time Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokić and guard Jamal Murray. It became clear that the duo needed more help. Yet, because of Denver’s salary cap issues, major additions were going to be improbable, and the trade of ascending star Peyton Watson further depleted the roster. DeMar DeRozan is an excellent mid-range option, but he’s not enough to get the Nuggets past the Thunder and Spurs - perhaps even the retooled Timberwolves. Role players Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun disappointed last season, and they will need to prove their worth for Denver to make another push for a title.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during a game in Denver on Mar 12, 2025.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

  • G Jamal Murray
  • G Christian Braun
  • F Cameron Johnson
  • F Aaron Gordon
  • C Nikola Jokić

Rotation players

  • G Tyus Jones
  • F DeMar DeRozan
  • F Marvin Bagley III
  • G/F Julian Strawther
  • G/F Spencer Jones
  • G Lonnie Walker IV
  • F Alpha Diallo
  • F Trevon Brazile
  • C Zeke Nnaji
  • F DaRon Holmes II

What to expect in 2026-27 season

A team that may see its championship window close. The Nuggets absolutely need a dose of good health from forward Aaron Gordon, the player who unlocks the entire offense. He missed three games in the postseason, and Denver’s offense stagnated. Cameron Johnson was an addition who mostly disappointed. Christian Braun regressed. The key for the Nuggets will be if those two return to form. The Nuggets still have the best offensive player in the world in Nikola Jokić and an All-Star in Jamal Murray, so they will be competitive. But it’s clear those two are not enough to carry the team to the top of the NBA, and Jokić, who turns 32 in February, may need some load management to ensure he’s fresh for the playoffs.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Denver Nuggets season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Information in this article was imported automatically into a template written and reviewed by a USA TODAY Sports editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Columbus Crew sack coach Federico Higuaín for ‘man’s game’ jibe aimed at female referee

  • Club coach also allegedly grabbed female official’s hand

  • Referees’ union criticises MLS’s two-match ban

Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew have sacked their reserve team coach after he allegedly grabbed a female referee’s hand and told her “don’t forget this is a man’s game”. Federico Higuaín was sent off for the incident, which occurred during a MLS Next Pro league match, and was later given a two-match ban.

Columbus Crew’s general manager, Issa Tall, said in a statement: “We determined it’s in the best interest of our club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities. After conversations this week and further assessing the past month, our club’s standards of what’s expected from a leader for one of our teams have not been met.”

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Boston Celtics season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

For a team that has been at or near the top of the Eastern Conference for much of the past decade, this was something of a tumultuous offseason for the Boston Celtics.

Gone is Jaylen Brown, a mainstay All-Star who spent 10 seasons with the Celtics, his most recent being one in which he recorded a career-high 28.7 points per game. And in his place is veteran Paul George, which ushers in a new era for Boston, one in which star forward Jayson Tatum becomes the unquestioned face of the franchise.

None of this will change internal expectations for the Celtics, who always preach competition, culture and a pursuit of championships.

Here's a breakdown of the Boston Celtics' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

Boston Celtics offseason review

  • Record last season: 56-26 (2nd in Eastern Conference)
  • Playoff finish: Eliminated in first round (3-4, against 76ers)
  • Coach: Joe Mazzulla (fifth season)
  • 2026-27 title odds: +1600 (per BetMGM)
  • Projected record : 46-36
  • Offseason grade : C-

Key roster additions

  • G Mike Conley (free agent signing)
  • F Paul George (trade)
  • C Mitchell Robinson (free agent signing)
  • F Chris Cenac Jr. (NBA draft)
  • F Dillon Mitchell (NBA draft)

Key roster losses

  • F Jaylen Brown (trade)
  • C Nikola Vučević (free agency)

Biggest question entering training camp

How will Jayson Tatum handle being the unquestioned No. 1 option?

  • There’s no doubt the partnership between Jayson Tatum, a six-time All-Star, and Jaylen Brown (five-time All-Star) was exceptional. The pair won the 2024 NBA Finals; and Brown, the Finals Most Valuable Player that year, was a reliable scoring threat. In the trade that shipped Brown to the 76ers, the most valuable asset returned was forward Paul George. There’s no way to spin this other than a downgrade for Boston; George is 36 and on the decline of his career and has seen his scoring production dip considerably.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Jaylen Brown (7) look for the rebound against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) in a 2026 NBA playoffs game.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

  • G Derrick White
  • G Payton Pritchard
  • F Paul George
  • F Jayson Tatum
  • C Neemias Queta

Rotation players

  • G Baylor Scheierman
  • G Ron Harper Jr.
  • G Mike Conley
  • G Hugo González
  • F Sam Hauser
  • F Jordan Walsh
  • F Chris Cenac Jr.
  • C Mitchell Robinson
  • C Luke Garza

What to expect in 2026-27 season

The starting lineup may be in flux, with the two-guard and center positions up for grabs. Baylor Scheierman emerged late in the season. Payton Pritchard has been a steady contributor for Boston, although he has shined coming off the bench. Mitchell Robinson was the big addition in the frontcourt, but Neemias Queta was a solid rim protecting option last season. Either way, the Celtics will need Tatum to take another massive step forward, as he becomes the clear-cut primary option. Teams will undoubtedly devote even more defensive attention to him, so George will need to do his part. Boston should give him free rein to shoot plenty of 3s, but, with a franchise cornerstone now gone, the Celtics may take a step back in an Eastern Conference that is suddenly deep. Boston, nonetheless, should remain a consistent threat to make a playoff push.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Boston Celtics season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

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Milwaukee Bucks season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

The Milwaukee Bucks begin their first season without Giannis Antetokounmpo still dealing with the fallout of their drawn-out separation.

The franchise could match or improve upon last year's record thanks to the players it gained by trading Antetokounmpo this offseason and eliminating the distraction his uncertain future caused during the 2025-26 season. But the next era for the Bucks remains largely undefined in the immediate aftermath of Antetokounmpo's departure and the team's current salary cap situation suggests more moves are coming in this rebuild.

Former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, hired to replace Doc Rivers this offseason, will initially be tasked with molding remnants of last year's roster that produced a disastrous record with a batch of newcomers from Miami and two lottery picks. Veterans Tyler Herro, Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma and Caris LeVert will provide support as rookies Brayden Burries and Nate Ament and several former Heat first-round picks find their footing together.

This roster, though, is full of expiring deals, tradeable contracts and no player capable of replacing Antetokounmpo in terms of talent or draw. Determining who should be part of Milwaukee's future, and getting in position for another high draft pick, could matter more than the win-loss record this season.

Here's a breakdown of the Milwaukee Bucks' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

Milwaukee Bucks offseason review

  • Record last season: 32-50 (11th in Eastern Conference)
  • Playoff finish: Did not qualify
  • Coach: Taylor Jenkins (1st season)
  • 2026-27 title odds: +75000 (per BetMGM)
  • Projected record: 17-65
  • Offseason grade: B-

Key roster additions

  • G Tyler Herro (trade)
  • G Kasparas Jakucionis (trade)
  • G Caris LeVert (trade)
  • G Brayden Burries (No. 10 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
  • F Nate Ament (No. 13 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
  • F Jaime Jaquez (trade)
  • F Kel'el Ware (trade)
  • F Bogoljub Markovic (No. 47 pick in 2025 NBA Draft)
  • F Malique Lewis (No. 60 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)

Key roster losses

  • F Giannis Antetokounmpo (trade)
  • F Bobby Portis (trade)
  • F Taurean Prince (trade)
  • G Gary Harris (trade)

Biggest question entering training camp

Is Tyler Herro part of the Bucks' long-term plans?

  • Herro was the most accomplished player included in the Antetokounmpo trade, with his $33 million salary needed to make the deal work financially. The 26-year-old is still a productive scorer and playmaker, but durability concerns and defensive shortcomings in recent seasons have complicated his long-term value. Herro is entering the final year of his contract and Milwaukee's front office will soon be faced with deciding whether to make Herro a core piece or trade him for more assets to use in its rebuild.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (7) celebrates with Bucks center Myles Turner (3) after a three point field goal against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Capital One Arena on Dec. 1, 2025.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

  • G Ryan Rollins
  • G Tyler Herro
  • F Jaime Jaquez, Jr.
  • F Kyle Kuzma
  • C Myles Turner

Rotation players

  • G Kevin Porter Jr.
  • G Brayden Burries
  • G A.J. Green
  • G Gary Trent Jr.
  • F Ousmane Dieng
  • F Nate Ament
  • F/C Kel'el Ware

What to expect in 2026-27 season

Milwaukee knew life after Antetokounmpo would be difficult, and this season could be the most painful part of the transition. The Bucks have several veterans who don't fit their timeline and a collection of young players still finding their way in the NBA. This is a candidate to be one of the worst teams in the NBA this season, especially if Milwaukee's management embraces a full-on youth movement and sells off veterans for more assets at the trade deadline.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Milwaukee Bucks season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

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Phoenix Suns season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

The Phoenix Suns enter their second season with coach Jordan Ott at the helm.

Ott led the team to a playoff appearance in his first season but was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. It wasn’t the playoff run they were expecting after making it through the play-in tournament with a 1-1 record, after losing to the Portland Trail Blazers and beating the Golden State Warriors.

Devin Booker remains the focal point for the Suns, after leading the team in points (26.1) and rebounds (7.9) last season.

“He's the culture driver of what we've got going on,” Ott said about Booker during the play-in tournament. “He's a guy we are happy to have on our team. ... He's been through everything as a basketball player.”

The team will be without center Mark Williams, who is recovering from shoulder surgery after suffering a torn labrum. He led the team in rebounds (7.9) and blocks (0.9) last season. The Suns will likely lean on Oso Ighodaro to start the season at center. Williams is expected to miss close to five months after having the surgery in early September.

Here's a breakdown of the Phoenix Suns' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

Phoenix Suns offseason review

  • Record last season: 45-37 (8th in Western Conference)
  • Playoff finish: Lost in the first round
  • Coach: Jordan Ott (second season)
  • 2026-27 title odds: +15000 (per BetMGM)
  • Projected record : 44-38
  • Offseason grade : C

Key roster additions

  • F Miles Bridges (trade)
  • F Koa Peat (draft day trade)
  • G Luke Kennard (free agent)
  • C Duop Reath (free agent)

Key roster losses

  • G Grayson Allen (trade)
  • F Royce O’Neale (trade)

Biggest question entering training camp

How will Jalen Green perform for Phoenix when healthy?

  • Green was acquired as part of a seven-team trade along with Dillon Brooks and Khaman Maluach, but Green was limited in his first season with Phoenix. He played a career-low 32 games after suffering hamstring injuries. The Suns will be tasked with incorporating Green back into the starting lineup for the upcoming season. He shot 42.2% from the field and 31.3% from the three-point line.Booker would greatly benefit from having Green back in the lineup. Green could serve as a secondary option as a shot creator, using his athleticism and ability to create separation off the dribble.

Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and Jalen Green (4) against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

  • G Devin Booker
  • G Jalen Green
  • F Dillon Brooks
  • F Miles Bridges
  • C Oso Ighodaro

Rotation players

  • G Luke Kennard
  • G Collin Gillespie
  • G Jordan Goodwin
  • G Jamaree Bouyea
  • F Koa Peat
  • F Rasheer Fleming
  • F Ryan Dunn
  • C Mark Williams
  • C Khaman Maluach
  • C Duop Reath

What to expect in 2026-27 season

Ott helps break up a recent trend for the Suns, who had four different coaches in each of the past four seasons. The Suns still managed to reach the playoffs in five of the last six, including an appearance in the NBA Finals during the 2020-21 season.

While the Suns finished with a 1-5 record in the postseason last year, Phoenix is likely to be competing for a playoff spot again this season. Despite the offseason moves made across the league, the Western Conference remains stacked with several potential title contenders, leaving the Suns to fight for one of the final few spots.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Phoenix Suns season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

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Charlotte Hornets season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Kon Knueppel made 273 3-pointers as a rookie in the 2025-26 season – more than anyone else in the league – and no rookie had ever led the NBA in that category before. He nearly stole Rookie of the Year honors from Cooper Flagg.

Charlotte won 44 games last season, up from 19, in its best season since 2015-2016. Then the front office blew it up.

The Hornets sent LaMelo Ball to Minnesota for Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round draft pick, three pick swaps and three second-rounders. They moved Miles Bridges to Phoenix for Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale, flipped Tre Mann to Cleveland for Dennis Schroder and re-signed Coby White.

Ball has never competed in a playoff game in six seasons in Charlotte, though the team did beat the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA Play-In Tournament last season. But Hornets president Jeff Peterson said the goal "isn't to get to the play-in or even the playoffs for one year."

His goal is build a team with sustained success.

Here's a breakdown of the Charlotte Hornets' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

Charlotte Hornets offseason review

  • Record last season: 44-38 (9th in Eastern Conference)
  • Playoff finish: Missed playoffs (lost play-in tournament to Magic)
  • Coach: Charles Lee (third season)
  • 2026-27 title odds: +12500 (per BetMGM)
  • Projected record : 28-54
  • Offseason grade : B

Key roster additions

  • F Naz Reid (trade)
  • G Grayson Allen (trade)
  • G Dennis Schroder (trade)
  • F Royce O'Neale (trade)
  • F Dorian Finney-Smith (trade)
  • G Christian Anderson Jr. (draft, No.18)
  • F Hannes Steinbach (draft)

Key roster losses

  • G LaMelo Ball (trade)
  • F Miles Bridges (trade)
  • G Josh Green (trade)
  • G Tre Mann (trade)

Biggest question entering training camp

Who gets a bucket when nothing works?

Ball was infuriating, and he was also the answer to that question for six years. White has led a team as a primary ball handler in stretches with Chicago but has mostly been a scorer off a second option. Brandon Miller has the frame and the shot profile of a No. 1 option but has not stayed on the floor. Knueppel scored 17 or fewer in 12 of his last 15 games as a rookie.

Head coach Charles Lee now has more shooting, more defense and more bodies than he has ever had. But, he also has less shot creation than he had in April.

Brandon Miller watches his shot in the first half against the Miami Heat.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

  • G Coby White
  • G Kon Knueppel
  • F Brandon Miller
  • F Naz Reid
  • C Moussa Diabate

Rotation players

  • G Dennis Schroder
  • G Grayson Allen
  • F Royce O'Neale
  • F Dorian Finney-Smith
  • F Grant Williams
  • C Ryan Kalkbrenner

What to expect in 2026-27 season

A step back. Charlotte has said as much.

The Hornets ranked second in the league in offensive efficiency and net rating after the All-Star break, and the player who made most of that work now plays in Minnesota. What remains is a deep, connected defensive team with an enormous pile of somebody else's draft picks. Charlotte allowed 111.2 points per game last season, the stingiest mark in the division, and O'Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith should hold that line.

The play-in is reachable. Anything past it would be a shock. This roster is pointed at 2028, and the front office is not pretending otherwise.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Charlotte Hornets season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

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New Orleans Pelicans season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

The New Orleans Pelicans enter the 2026-27 NBA season as perhaps the league's most confounding team. A year after trading a future first-round pick to move up and draft Derik Queen, the Pelicans largely stood pat this offseason after another disappointing record that left them outside the Western Conference postseason picture. The franchise has won just two playoff series since coming to New Orleans in 2002.

There will have to be significant internal improvements for that to change under former Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley. The Pelicans were relatively healthy last season, with stars Trey Murphy III, Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson each playing at least 62 games. New Orleans is also hoping for a more productive version of guard Dejounte Murray after he played in just 14 games following his return from a torn Achilles.

Yet Murphy, Bey and Murray have also been mentioned in trade rumors. Pelicans executive VP for basketball operations Joe Dumars has thus far resisted a full-fledged rebuild. How the first portion of this season goes should dictate what direction New Orleans takes around the trade deadline. Then again, many expected the Pelicans to recalibrate after last season went south, and they brought back their core.

Here's a breakdown of the New Orleans Pelicans' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

New Orleans Pelicans offseason review

  • Record last season: 26-56 (11th in Western Conference)
  • Playoff finish: Did not qualify
  • Coach: Jamahl Mosley (1st season)
  • 2026-27 title odds: +75000 (per BetMGM)
  • Projected record: 34-48
  • Offseason grade: D

Key roster additions

  • G Benedict Mathurin (free agent signing)
  • G Jason Pierre Jr. (No. 58 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
  • F Trendon Watford (free agent signing)

Key roster losses

  • G Jordan Hawkins (trade)
  • F Micah Peavy (trade)
  • F/C Kevon Looney (free agent)

Biggest question entering training camp

Do the Pelicans' veterans fit with their youth?

  • The Pelicans won more games late last season when they played veterans at the expense of first-round picks Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen for a stretch, but it also amplified concerns about the team's roster construction. One confusing offseason later, it's still unclear how Fears fits into the front office's plans after the recent signing of Mathurin, or whether Queen and Williamson can play on the floor together.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) brings the ball up court against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Smoothie King Center on March 29, 2026.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

  • G Dejounte Murray
  • G Saddiq Bey
  • G/F Trey Murphy III
  • F Herb Jones
  • F Zion Williamson

Rotation players

  • G Benedict Mathurin
  • G Jeremiah Fears
  • G Jordan Poole
  • F/C Derik Queen
  • C Yves Missi

What to expect in 2026-27 season

The Pelicans have enough intriguing talent to compete for a Western Conference play-in berth if the roster is intact for the entire season. But the same was true a year ago when this odd mix of developing young players and veterans without a defined role stumbled to one of the league's worst records. If Williamson isn't capable of being the franchise centerpiece New Orleans envisioned, the Pelicans seem more likely to break this core up than contend for the postseason.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Orleans Pelicans season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Information in this article was imported automatically into a template written and reviewed by a USA TODAY Sports editor. You can send feedback using this form.